Preview: Royal London Women's One Day Cup Second Division - Part 1

Today Women’s CricZone starts its coverage of the Royal London Women’s One Day Cup, also known as the County Championship. In the lead-up to the start of this year’s competition, we will preview the sides making up the top two divisions.

In the first of these previews, we start with half of the division two sides, the first of these sides is the most surprising.

Sussex

Important Player – Sarah Taylor

This is a difficult one as Sussex have several very good players. Three of their squad members were part of the World Cup-winning squad from last year. The energy and confidence that Taylor gives to any team she plays in, she is an important player and that is before you add in her ability with bat and gloves.

Young player to look out for – Tara Norris

The 19-year-old was recently selected for the England Academy tour to South Africa. At just 19, Norris is already a regular in the Sussex side. Norris made her debut in the Kia Super League last season for the Southern Vipers taking the wicket of Jenny Gunn along the way.

2017 season

It was a season to forget for a side that until recently was a regular challenger for the County Championship. Three defeats from their first three games saw Sussex sucked into a relegation battle they would not get out of. A win against Middlesex in the final game of the season would have given them a chance to stay up but a 90-run defeat saw Sussex finish second bottom.

What’s in store for 2018

Sussex will start as favourites for an immediate return to division one. Players such as Abbie Freeborn, Tara Norris, Paige Scholfield and Ellen Burt all have promise and along with the experience of Sarah Taylor, Danni Wyatt and Georgia Elwiss, Sussex should be good enough to finish in a promotion place.

 

Surrey

Important Player – Natalie Sciver

The England all-rounder only played two games because of international duty last year. On both occasions she scored hundreds; the first was 135 not out against division winners Hampshire and 107 not out against Staffordshire.

One of the Wisden cricketers of the year, there is little that Sciver can’t achieve. If she plays more games this year, there is no reason Surrey can’t have a great season.

Young player to look out for -  Bryony Smith

Smith recently made her England debut in the recently concluded tri-series with India and Australia. The young opening batsman is highly rated by England Coach Mark Robinson, after impressing in the Kia Super League.

This could be the year where Smith gains some consistency as she looks to cement an England place which if anything will come in the T20 format.

2017 season

Four wins and three defeats saw Surrey finish fourth in their first season back in division two since 2011. Surrey scored over 300 in consecutive games including 329 for five against Hampshire.

What’s in store for 2018

More consistency will be expected this season and just that is not beyond the realms of possibility. It will require senior players such as Nat Sciver and Kirstie White to perform.

 

Wales

Important Player – Claire Nicholas

An impressive Kia Super League for Western Storm showed what Nicholas is capable of at the highest domestic level. At 31, it seems a bit late for the off-spinner to come to the fore. Economical even in T20 powerplays, Nicholas will again be important in keeping the runs at a minimum.

Young player to look out for - Nicole Reid

The leading wicket-taker last season including a career-best 4 for 11 against Worcestershire in her first full season.

2017 season

Wales finished mid-table with three wins from seven games. Noticeable performances from Gabrielle Basketter 107 not out against Somerset and Nicole Reid 4 for 11 against Worcestershire showed glimpses of promise.

What’s in store for 2018

More of the same, there are good teams in this division and rather than Wales not being good enough it will be a case of other teams being too good.

 

Essex

Important Player – Cordelia Griffith

Griffith came up with a captain’s innings when it was needed most; in a playoff game needing 230 to win, Griffith scored an unbeaten 113 to ensure her side won with seven overs to spare. Having also played a season in the Kia Super League for Surrey Stars it will be down to the captain to score important runs.

Young player to look out for - Jess Bird

The Wicket-keeper batsman will again keep wickets in both formats of the game and at only 18 will be playing in division two for the first time. She has plans to play in Australia after finishing her studies.

2017 season

A promotion winning season in the County Championship was tempered with relegation in the county T20 competition.

What’s in store for 2018

It may be a season of consolidation for Essex. It will all depend on how quickly they adapt to the higher level. That is why we love this game so much, only time will tell.