Western Storm Preview: Storm look to extend legacy

 

The Captain

Heather Knight is a captain that gets the best out of her players, she proved this most successfully in the WBBL as she had the Hobart Hurricanes punching well above their weight.

It could be said it is the same at Western Storm, although she has some good and experienced internationals along with her.

 

The Overseas Internationals

Smriti Mandhana is set to be one of the first two Indian players to play in the Kia Super League. Having only turned 22, the batter has a good record at international level and during the winter played for Brisbane Heat in the 2nd season.

She struggled for form during her time in WBBL but is a handy batter to have and will add depth to the Storm batting line-up.

Rachel Priest is one of only two batters in Kia Super League history to score a hundred. Having lost her place in the New Zealand side, she will feel she has something to prove to the selectors with a World T20 coming up later in the year. It will be a good opportunity to prove she is still worthy of selection at international level.

Stafanie Taylor, the West Indies captain, is an all-rounder who is one of the hardest hitters of a cricket ball. Capable of destroying most bowling attacks expect the Jamaican to have another good Kia Super League. She also is a capable off-spinner.

Having been a regular for Western Storm she has also played for Sydney Thunder in the WBBL.

 

England Internationals

Along with Knight, Western Storm have two other England internationals, Anya Shrubsole and Fran Wilson.

Shrubsole is a World Cup winner who naturally swings the ball into the batters. She missed the England series against New Zealand with a side strain. It was a precaution but should be fit and ready to go when the Kia Super League kicks off.

Wilson is an attacking batter who can score all around the ground. She has also found herself out of England contention this summer. With the World T20 due to take place, she will be keen to be on the plane to the Caribbean. Wilson is also a very good fielder.

 

Best of the rest

Sophie Luff is a top order batter who also captains Somerset. She was an integral part of the Western Storm in both seasons which proved to be successful.

Naomi Dattani moves from Surrey Stars. Also, the Middlesex 50 over captain has had a busy summer being part of the Fairbreak game at Wormsley.

Claire Nicholas is one of the older players in the Western Storm. The Welsh spin bowler had an impressive Kia Super League last season and was part of the reason that Western Storm secured the title.

 

Squad

Heather Knight (c), Anya Shrubsole, Fran Wilson, Rachel Priest, Smriti Mandhana, Stafanie Taylor, Sophie Luff, Claire Nicholas, Lauren Parfitt, Danielle Gibson, Naomi Dattani, Rebecca Silk, Alice Mcleod, Amara Carr.