Durham Women return to Chester-le-Street looking for back-to-back wins as they take on Somerset tomorrow, Saturday 16 May from 10:30am.
Dani Hazell has named a squad of 14 to take on the Wyverns as her side aim to close out the opening block of the Metro Bank One Day Cup with their third win.
Leah Dobson is included in a squad for the first time this season whilst Mia Rogers remains in contention to make her first Durham appearance of 2026.
Tahlia Wilson is set to play the final game of her Durham stint before joining up with the Australia squad for their T20 World Cup campaign.
Hazell’s side face a fifth-placed Somerset who travel up to the North East on 13 points from seven games having claimed three wins and four losses, whilst Durham sit ninth on 10 points from seven games with two wins and a tie.
Squad v Somerset (16 May)
Hollie Armitage*, Leah Dobson, Katherine Fraser, Abi Glen, Bess Heath, Trudy Johnson, Katie Levick, Emma Marlow, Mia Rogers, Grace Thompson, Sophia Turner, Mady Villiers, Tahlia Wilson, Emily Windsor.
Words from Dani Hazell
It was great to get a win down in Edgbaston against Warwickshire. The way we chased down 290 was really pleasing. Mady (Villiers) really led the way and batted really well after a shaky start for us, and Emily Windsor backed her up really well too to get us over the line.
We have had a bit of time since then to refresh and work on a couple of things as we look to round off this opening block with a win and then move on to the T20s.
We know that Somerset are a decent side but hopefully we catch them at a good time with some of their girls away on England duty and we can put in a good team performance to get another win on the board.
We’ve really enjoyed having Tahlia with us and she showed us all what she is capable of with her 152 against Essex. She has been great for the squad, on the field but also as a mentor and for someone that the girls can look up to and try to imitate. We’re grateful for her time with us.
Opposition Corner
Captain: Sophie Luff
Head coach: Erin Osborne
2025 Finish: 5th
2025 Highest run-scorer: Sophie Luff (362)
2025 Highest wicket-taker: Amanda-Jade Wellington (19)
Winter moves: Australia A international Anika Learoyd will fill the overseas vacancy created by Amanda-Jade Wellington’s switch to Hampshire, while England Under-19 seamer Bea Willis and batter Ruby Davis have signed their first professional deals. Dani Gibson, Charlie Dean, Niamh Holland, Chloe Skelton and Jess Hazel have all penned contract extensions. Opener Amelie Munday and seamer Laura Jackson have been released, while batter Fran Wilson has left to join Gloucestershire’s coaching staff.
The big question: Can new head coach Erin Osborne mastermind a transition from wannabe status to genuine contenders in her first season? Somerset will fancy their chances of beating anyone when England stars Heather Knight, Charlie Dean and Dani Gibson are available, but it remains to be seen if promising youngsters can step up and help fill the gaps created by the departure of experienced campaigners Amanda-Jade Wellington and Fran Wilson.
Player to watch: Overseas signing Anika Learoyd is a fast-rising star Down Under and boasts exciting potential. The 23-year-old broke into Australia’s A team last year following a series of stand-out performances for Sydney Thunder and New South Wales, scoring 362 runs in 13 matches across all formats for her country. Her forthright style with the bat will bolster the top order, while her leg spin will offer variety.
Final thought: The return to fitness of talented opener Emma Corney and England all-rounder Dani Gibson following long-term injury should effect improvement with both bat and ball and serve to render Somerset more competitive. Providing they can find the consistency needed to build on last season’s progress and overcome an apparent lack of depth, there is no reason why they cannot achieve a top-four finish.
Match Centre
The Club’s match centre will be in operation for the fixture with live scorecards, statistics & video highlights as they happen. You can watch the game live via Durham’s YouTube channel. Durham Cricket will have full coverage on social media, with a full match report at the close.