BITESIZE GUIDES: A quick look at the runners and riders in this year's Kia Super League

Quickfire summaries of the coaches, captains, overseas players, stars to watch and 2017 finishing positions of each of the six teams

LANCASHIRE THUNDER

Coach: Alex Blackwell

Captain: Danielle Hazell

Overseas players: Nicole Bolton (Aus), Harmanpreet Kaur (I), Amy Satterthwaite (NZ)

2017 position: 6th

Domestic player to watch: Ellie Threlkeld 

Having lost all five matches last year, Lancashire Thunder will surely do better, especially since former Australia batsman and New South Wales board member Alex Blackwell has joined as head coach and brought in some blue-chip overseas players. Alex Hartley could be a crucial addition, and will operate in tandem with rival England spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Danielle Hazell.

LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING

Coach: Rob Taylor

Captain: Georgia Elwiss

Overseas players: Elyse Villani, Rachael Haynes (both Aus), Sophie Devine (NZ)

2017 position: 4th 

Domestic player to watch: Lucy Higham

Coach Salliann Briggs has left for Hobart, and she is replaced by Rob Taylor, the ex-Leicestershire and Scotland left-arm seamer, who also has Matthew Hoggard and Matt Machan on his coaching staff. Ellyse Perry recommended Briggs to Cricket Tasmania, and her affinity for Loughborough continued as she trained there during the spring. The Lightning will hope the world’s best allrounder returns to fire them to finals day. Last season Perry was one of three Australian overseas players. Jenny Gunn has switched from Yorkshire Diamonds.

SOUTHERN VIPERS

Coach: Nick Denning

Captain: Suzie Bates

Overseas players: Bates, Amelia Kerr (both NZ), Mignon du Preez (SA)

2017 position: Runners-up

Domestic player to watch: Charlie Dean

Southern Vipers are without the captaincy of Charlotte Edwards, who retired after losing the final last year, though she has moved upstairs to be director of women’s cricket at the Ageas Bowl. Suzie Bates is an almost guaranteed source of runs, while Tammy Beaumont, who moves from Surrey Stars, will add her rounded strokeplay and a keeping option. Amelia Kerr, just 17, will be tasked with following up her record score in Women’s ODIs. Unusually, the Vipers have two emerging English left-arm seamers in Tash Farrant and Katie George.

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SURREY STARS

Coach: Richard Bedbrook

Captain: Nat Sciver

Overseas player: Marizanne Kapp, Lizelle Lee, Dane van Niekerk (all SA)

2017 position: Semi-finalists

Domestic player to watch: Sophia Dunkley

The signings of Dane van Niekerk and Sarah Taylor could be the catalyst for Surrey Stars’ first title after two near misses. Marizanne Kapp and Lizelle Lee complete a powerful returning South African triumvirate, and Bryony Smith will be hoping for a big year up the order.

WESTERN STORM

Coach: Trevor Griffin 

Captain: Heather Knight

Overseas players: Smriti Mandhana (I), Rachel Priest (NZ), Stafanie Taylor (WI)

2017 position: Champions

Domestic player to watch: Freya Davies

Last year’s champions have strengthened with Smriti Mandhana, who will be one the first Indian women to play in the KSL and should form a belligerent top order with Rachel Priest and Stafanie Taylor. Their backbone remains Anya Shrubsole and Heather Knight, but Fran Wilson and Sophie Luff are underrated batsmen.

YORKSHIRE DIAMONDS

Coach: Paul Grayson

Captain: Lauren Winfield

Overseas players: Chamari Atapattu (SL), Beth Mooney, Delissa Kimmince (both Aus)

2017 Position: 5th

Domestic player to watch: Beth Langston

Yorkshire rely heavily on Lauren Winfield and Katherine Brunt to stay competitive. Paul Grayson, the former Essex head coach, is in his second year as coach, and will look to two upcoming English bowlers – Beth Langston and Alice Davidson-Richards – to provide support.

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