Following a convincing 168 run victory over Worcestershire, Middlesex will be hoping to carry that winning momentum into their third match of the season away to Durham.
With three opening batters names in skipper Naomi Dattani, vice Natasha Miles and Cordelia Griffith it will be interesting to see who they opt for. Middlesex are also likely to keep Sophia Dunkley at three following her maiden century for the county last weekend - an impressive knock of 138 off just 116 balls which included 14 fours. Beth Morgan is another in form batter who struck 42 off 35 deliveries against Worcestershire and provides stability in the middle order. Olivia Rae and Emma Albery have also played important roles with the bat in warm up matches and competitive fixtures and Middlesex will look to them to make useful contributions in the middle order.
In the bowling department Middlesex might return to their opening pairing who performed well against a formidable Hampshire partnership in right-arm seamers Gayatri Gole and Katie Wolfe. Gole bowled a tight line against Worcestershire, claiming a wicket in her second over and returning figures of 2-15 from six overs dismissing their captain and number three. Other pace options include left-armer Dattani, who took 3-16 from her 5.5 overs last weekend including the key wicket of their number four who top-scored with 31, and right-armer Sonali Patel. In the spin department Middlesex can call on leggie Dunkley and offspinners Albery and Bhavika Gajipra. Dunkley returned 2-11 from her five overs and Albery 1-19 from her six against Worcester it will be interesting to see if they can maintain their tight lines against Durham.
One key player for Durham is likely to be captain and legspinner Helen Fenby who was a member of the England Academy winter training squad. Fenby claimed 2-27 from seven overs in their defeat to Devon but along with the rest of the Durham attack struggled against a strong Somerset batting line-up. The hosts will also look to opener Rachael Petherick to make strong contributions with both bat and ball as they search for the first win. It will be interesting to see how Durham perform under new coach and former England stalwart Dani Hazell and how they bounce back after two defeats.
The match is being held at Willington Cricket Club and play commences at 11am.
Squad
Naomi Dattani (C)
Emma Albery
Sophia Dunkley
Bhavika Gajipra
Gayatri Gole
Cordelia Griffith
Iqraa Hussain (WK)
Natasha Miles
Beth Morgan
Sonali Patel
Olivia Rae
Katie Wolfe
Durham Cricket Board Womens 1st XI
Middlesex Women 1st XI
