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: Centrals Sparks v South East Stars
Venue: New Road, Worcester
Dates: Sunday, September 12, 2021
Start time: 10.30am
What's the lowdown?
South East Stars are flying high after they romped to victory in the final of the Charlotte Edwards Cup. They followed that up by striking an imposing total of 293 for 9 in their last Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy fixture, which proved to be too much for Lightning. With two rounds of fixtures left to go, they sit in fourth, four points adrift of Central Sparks.
Central Sparks are also coming in off the back of a comprehensive victory against Sunrisers on Friday. They currently occupy the final knockout spot, with victory in this fixture giving them an unassailable lead and a guaranteed place in the knockout fixtures.
Who should I watch out for?
Central Sparks will be without leading run-scorer Amy Jones who is away on international duty and therefore will be looking to namesake Eve Jones to come good with the willow in this highly important fixture. Jones has 191 runs in the competition at an average of 47.75. As for the ball, the Sparks will need fast-bowling star, Issy Wong, to continue her red hot streak in the competition. Wong has 10 wickets in her five appearances at an average of 18.10.
South East Stars will be relying on Bryony Smith, who has 10 wickets at an average of 19.20. The responsibility with the bat will fall on the same shoulders seeing as England star Sophia Dunkley will also be away on international duty. Smith is not only the Stars leading wicket-taker but also their leading run-scorer with 236 runs at 47.20 in the competition. A remarkable return for the 23-year-old. The Stars will also be looking to Alice Capsey, the recent star of the Oval Invincibles Hundred success. She struck 78 off 73 balls and claimed two wickets in her last fixture and is in fine form.
What's the team news?
Central Sparks will be without Amy Jones and Sarah Glenn after both players were included in England's 15-woman ODI squad to face New Zealand. South East Stars will be without Sophia Dunkley, Tash Farrant and Freya Davies for the same reason.
Central Sparks squad: Eve Jones, Marie Kelly, Davina Perrin, Gwen Davies, Thea Brookes, Issy Wong, Ria Fackrell, Chloe Hill, Em Arlott, Clare Boycott, Georgia Davis
South East Stars squad: Alice Davidson-Richards, Bryony Smith, Kirstie Smith, Alice Capsey, Aylish Cranstone, Kira Chathli, Phoebe Franklin, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Kalea Moore, Emma Jones, Dani Gregory
Latest Central Spark news: Click here
Latest South East Stars news: Click here
What's the weather forecast?
Keep up to date with the MetOffice’s rolling forecast for Worcester: Click here
How do I follow the match?
TV/stream: A live stream will be available via the Central Sparks website: 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
Adult tickets for this fixture cost £5 while juniors can watch the action for just £1.
Click here to visit the Worcestershire ticket office.
Travel
Address: Worcester County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcestershire, WR2 4QQ
By car
From the north: From the M5 junction 7 follow the cricket stumps on the roadsigns to the ground.
From the south: From M5 junction 7 follow the cricket stumps on the road signs to the ground.
From the east: From the A422, Alcester, continue on this road to the roundabout junction with the A4440 (Swinesherd Way), take second exit at roundabout on to A44, continue to follow the A44 and it will lead you to New Road, the ground will be on your left.
From the west: From the A44, Evesham, stay on the A44 (east) and it will lead you to New Road, the ground will be on your left.
By bus
Once you are in Worcester city centre’s bus station that is beneath the Crown Gate Shopping Centre, walk out of the station, turn left, continue to walk straight ahead to a pedestrian crossing, walk across this and another pedestrian crossing, continue across the bridge over the Severn River and you will arrive at the ground on your left.
By train
Worcester Foregate Street is the closest train station to the ground and is approximately half a mile from the ground. To get to the ground from Foregate Street station turn left out of the main entrance, head towards the cross where you turn right onto Broad Street. Continue straight, across two pedestrian crossings to get to the other side of New Road, walk over the bridge and you will shortly arrive at the ground on your left.
Prediction?
South East Stars come into this must-win game off the back of victory in the T20 competition and the comprehensive beating of Lighting in the last round. They are bang in form and despite being the away side, will win here to spice up the competition for the last round of fixtures. South East Stars win.
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