Middlesex name a squad of 13 to play Kent on Sunday after two disappointing losses in the opening weekend of the Royal London Women’s One-Day Cup.
In both games Middlesex batted first and though scores of 120 and 160 were below par, Middlesex can take some confidence from their improved second showing, coming close to batting out their allotted 50 overs against Yorkshire.
Middlesex will look to captain and vice-captain Naomi Dattani and Natasha Miles to again build a good platform, hoping one of them can bat through the innings and capitalise on a solid start.
The hosts also have international experience in of Fran Wilson and Beth Morgan who are both strong sweepers, and have the ability to find the boundary as well as rotate the strike. Taking regular singles can help avoid losing a cluster of wickets as this relieves the pressure of facing a series of dot balls.
The standout player from last week was Sophia Dunkley. The number four scored an unbeaten 67 against the White Rose, continuing her form from her England Academy tour. Dunkley also picked up 2-49 and should again play a large in the attack.
Middlesex have named off-spinner Bhavika Gajipra in the squad who will add more variety to the attack. She could perhaps bowl in tandem with either the legspin of either Dunkley or Emily Thorpe. The return of Gayatri Gole will likely see her open alongside Hayleigh Brennan (if fit), while Katie Wolfe is a third seamer who bowled with good pace on Monday.
Kent are historically a very strong side and have won both opening matches convincingly over Yorkshire and Lancashire. Captain and England opener, Tammy Beaumont, will be important and has led from the front with scores of 63* and 70*. Recent England debutant Alice Davidson-Richards also has made a good start to the season with knocks of 40 and 61*; the pair are likely to be crucial to the visitor’s posting or chasing a challenging total.
In the bowling department, Kent boast England’s Tash Farrant and off-spinner Laura Marsh in their armoury. Middlesex will need to negotiate left-arm quick Farrant carefully as she has the ability to claim early wickets if she gets her line right. Marsh claimed 3-18 against Yorkshire and Farrant 2-23 against Lancashire.
This looks set to be an exciting contest held at Mill Hill School, with play commencing at 11am and it is free entry.
Middlesex Squad
Naomi Dattani (c)
Emma Albery
Maia Bouchier
Hayleigh Brennan
Sophia Dunkley
Bhavika Gajipra
Gayatri Gole
Iqraa Hussain (+)
Natasha Miles
Beth Morgan
Emily Thorpe
Fran Wilson
Middlesex Women - do not use
Kent
