Threlkeld ready to step up to the stumps as Thunder's replacement for Taylor

Ellie Threlkeld, 19, has been handed the gloves from the start of this summer’s Kia Super League on Sunday when the Thunder take on Loughborough Lightning at Southport

^{Ellie Threlkeld of Lancashire Thunder}

It is a big two months for many in Lancashire Thunder red, but arguably none more so than young wicketkeeper Ellie Threlkeld having benefitted from Sarah Taylor’s departure to Surrey.

Threlkeld, 19, has been handed the gloves from the start of this summer’s Kia Super League on Sunday when the Thunder take on Loughborough Lightning at Southport (2.30pm).

Last year, while she played all five games, she only kept twice in Taylor’s absence as opposed to all five in 2016. But now she has the ideal chance to showcase her skills and progress her game, which has already taken her to England Academy level.

“I’m delighted to get the gloves back this year,” said Threlkeld, a product of Liverpool club Rainford on the outskirts of St Helens.

“That’s quite a big thing for me. It’s been good to know I will be in the team and have the gloves because it’s meant I can focus a lot more on my keeping work in training recently.

“It was brilliant to be able to train with Sarah last year and watch how she goes about her business. She’s world-class, isn’t she. She was great to have around and has helped me a lot.”

Threlkeld is more than just a wicketkeeper, as indicated by the fact she played three times without them during last summer’s Super League.

^{Threlkeld takes the gloves from Sarah Taylor this year}

She will be an important cog in the Thunder’s middle order with the bat, and has been in encouraging form for Lancashire women’s county side this season. In 15 one-day and T20 appearances, she scored 231 runs with a best of 41.

Speaking at the Thunder’s pre-tournament media day, she said: “We’ve played some T20s for the county side this year, and I’ve done alright there and got a few runs. Hopefully I can show people what I can do with that side of my game as well.”

The Thunder have endured two disappointing seasons of KSL cricket, winning only one of 10 matches and none from five in 2017.

But, with some new faces in the playing and coaching staff - led by new head coach Alex Blackwell, hopes are high that things can be different.

Loughborough University student Threlkeld, an ever-present for the Thunder across two seasons, continued: “It’s a massive campaign for us. I think we can really push on this year and build from the experiences of last year.

KIA SUPER LEAGUE NEWS

“We have a strong squad, some good additions, and I think we can do alright.

“There’s a good vibe around the squad. Everyone seems excited. We have some strong additions, two new overseas, who will strengthen the batting order. Amy Satterthwaite’s back and Georgie Boyce (from Loughborough Lightning) has come in as well.

“Alex has come in as coach, and it’s really exciting. She contacted us all prior to meeting up on Monday. I had a nice chat with her on FaceTime. Everyone has.

“We talked all things cricket and about how excited we are to get going. She’s going to be really good for us.”

On Sunday, Threlkeld will come up against some of her uni mates and is desperate to claim the win.

“I’m at university down at Loughborough and have been working hard with the England Academy squad in the winter with the likes of Emma Lamb, Georgie Boyce and Alice Dyson from the Thunder,” she added.

“I go to uni with a lot of the Loughborough girls, so it would be nice to get a win on the board against them to claim the bragging rights.”

Report courtesy of the ECB Reporters Network