Heyhoe Flint Trophy Essentials: Thunder v Southern Vipers

Match times, streaming information, tickets and travel, team news, weather forecast and everything else you need to know ahead of the next round of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy...

Fixture: Thunder v Southern Vipers

Venue: Sale Cricket Club

Dates: Friday, Septemer 10, 2021

Start time: 10.30am

What's the lowdown?

Southern Vipers are top of the pile, but they come into this game on the back of defeat in the Charlotte Edwards Cup eliminator and without the key trio of Danni Wyatt, Maia Bouchier and Charlie Dean. There is no time for disappointment though, with the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy back up and running - a competition that has been kind to Edwards' side, having won its inaugural edition last year.

They sit a single point clear of Northern Diamonds and Central Sparks, as well as six ahead of Thunder who have won twice in four games. For Thunder, therefore, this is a must-win affair. Anything else and a playoff spot may well be beyond their reach as the season approaches its business end.

Who should I watch out for?

Georgia Adams has been less prolific than last year but remains the key cog in Vipers' batting line-up, while Charlotte Taylor has been a revelation since her call-up midway through last year's tournament. She is the second-highest wicket-taker in this year's competition - behind Dean - and the all-time leader in the Heyhoe Flint Trophy. She has nine wickets this summer at an economy rate of just 2.86.

Thunder's attack is as impressive, benefiting from the international experience of Kate Cross and Alex Hartley, as well as young left-arm spinner Hannah Jones. Emma Lamb apart, Thunder have been indebted with the bat to Georgie Boyce, who has 141 runs at 35.25 in 50-over cricket in 2021.

What's the team news?

Thunder squad: Alex Hartley, Georgie Boyce, Nat Brown, Alice Clarke, Pippa Cleary, Danielle Collins, Kate Cross, Rebecca Duckworth, Alice Dyson, Liberty Heap, Laura Jackson, Hannah Jones, Laura Marshall, Daisy Mullan, Ellie Threlkeld, Sophia Turner

Southern Vipers squad: Georgia Adams, Lauren Bell, Ella Chandler, Ariana Dowse, Georgia Elwiss, Gemma Lane, Cassidy McCarthy, Ella McCaughan, Alice Monaghan, Tara Norris, Carla Rudd, Paige Scholfield, Charlotte Taylor, Finty Trussler, Emily Windsor

Latest Thunder news: Click here

Latest Southern Vipers news: Click here

What's the weather forecast?

Keep up to date with the MetOffice’s rolling forecast for Sale: Click here

How do I follow the match?

TV/stream The game will be streamed via Lancashire CCC's YouTube channel: Click here

Radio: BBC Local Radio and the BBC Sport website will carry updates of the game.

Digital: The Cricketer will carry live scorecards and reports from every Women's Regional Competition match in 2021, as well as the latest breaking news from around the counties and exclusive features. Visit our Women's Regional Hub for more.

Going to the game?

Tickets

This match has free entry

Travel

Prediction?

Southern Vipers will back themselves to maintain their position at the top of the table, especially with Emma Lamb absent for the home side.