Today saw the announcement that the Women’s London Championship is to be expanded for the 2021 season, with Middlesex Women once again featuring in the competition - although this year facing four opponents, with Sussex Women today being unveiled as the fifth county to join the competition.
Following a successful launch last summer, the tournament will again provide meaningful playing opportunities that aid the growth of players and the game itself, through a competitive structure that is built upon proud county identities.
For 2021, Sussex Women will join Middlesex, Surrey, Kent and Essex Women in the league structure, where each win earns teams 10 points with bonus points awarded for batting and bowling performances. After each county has played their counterparts once, the side topping the table will be crowned as champions.
Middlesex start the championship away to Essex on the 22nd May and then travel to the Nevill Ground to take on Kent on the 3rd June. The London derby against the reigning champions, Surrey, at the Kia Oval is on the 5th June with the final fixture against Sussex on the 22nd July.
Alongside the announcement of the Women's London Championship, the ECB has confirmed adjusted dates for Middlesex Women's Vitality County T20 campaign.
Speaking of today’s announcement about the newly structured Women’s London Championship, Regional Director of Women’s Cricket for Sunrisers - London & East Region and acting Head of Middlesex Women's Cricket, Danni Warren, said:
“It is incredibly important to Middlesex Women to be able to offer competitive, meaningful matches to our players - providing them with the opportunity to showcase their skills as well as bringing pride to the county itself, whilst inspiring the next generation of players in the process. We are really fortunate to be neighboured by counties who share our ambition to deliver these opportunities at Women’s County level, resulting in the London Women’s Championship.
“The summer of 2021 promises to be a springboard for Women’s cricket in the region, with even more Sunrisers matches and the launch of The Hundred, and we believe that County cricket plays a huge role in ensuring we deliver a sustainable pathway for years to come.
“There is a lot of excitement amongst the Middlesex squad, the players are eager to pull on the Seaxes again and take on our local rivals.”
Full 2021 Middlesex Women's T20 and London Championship fixtures:
