Charlotte Edwards Cup Essentials: Northern Diamonds v Western Storm

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 Charlotte Edwards Cup

The Cricketer | 27/08/2021 at 18:45

Fixture: Northern Diamonds v Western Storm

Venue: Emirates Riverside, Durham

Date: Saturday, August 28, 2021

Start time: 2.30pm

What's the lowdown?

Northern Diamonds found themselves in a dire straits during their recent clash with Sunrisers, tumbling to 32 for 5 at the halfway stage. However, a 78-run sixth-wicket stand between Linsey Smith and Beth Langston helped drag Dani Hazell's side to 120 for 6. Somewhat against the odds, Diamonds then defended their low total with ease to secure a 19-run victory.

The Diamonds now lead Group B by three points with two matches remaining. The have won three games and lost one.

Western Storm, meanwhile, are in third position, having won two and lost two. Last time out, they defeated Thunder by seven wickets in Cardiff, chasing down 101 inside 17.4 overs.

In the reverse fixture, Northern Diamonds edged a tight clash, with Jenny Gunn scoring a four off the final ball to seal a one-wicket win for her side.

Who should I watch out for?

Beth Langston was the hero for Diamonds against Sunrisers and it's possibly a disservice to her batting ability that she is classed as a bowler. In fact, Langston is her side's second-highest run-scorer in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, with 57 runs at a strike rate of 105.55. Against Sunrisers, she scored 46 not out off 38 balls, including six fours. She's also high quality with the ball, taking four wickets in two appearances but with an economy of 8.5, she has been a tad expensive this season.

With the ball, Alex MacDonald has been the star for Diamonds, taking a team-leading six wickets and bowling with a team-leading economy of 3.5.

For Western Storm, Katie George is proving herself to be a a highly adept batter. The 22-year-old is currently unable to bowl due to injury but scored 47 not out from 46 balls against Thunder at number five to see her side to victory. She's also a dynamite outfielder.

Nicole Harvey will hope to best MacDonald in the battle of the bowlers. She too is her side's leading wicket-taker, with seven, and also has a team-leading economy of 4.75. Against Thunder, she took 3 for 13 from four overs, bowling 13 dot balls.

What's the team news?

Diamonds will be without Katherine Brunt and Nat Sciver who have named in England's white-ball squad to face New Zealand. Dani Hazell is yet to name her squad to face Storm.

Heather Knight and Anya Shrubsole are unavailable for Storm after being named in England's white-ball squad to face New Zealand.

Western Storm squad: Sophie Luff (c), Fi Morris (vc), Katie George, Georgia Hennessey, Danielle Gibson, Nat Wraith, Alex Griffiths, Nicole Harvey, Lauren Parfitt, Lauren Filer, Mollie Robbins, Emma Corney, Steph Hutchins, Emily Edgcombe, Niamh Holland, Bethan Gammon.

Latest Northern Diamonds news: Click here

Latest Western Storm news: Click here

How do I follow the match?

TV/stream: Northern Diamonds will provide a live stream on their 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?

What’s the weather forecast?

Sunshine is expected in Durham with temperatures hovering in the high teens.

Keep up to date with the MetOffice's rolling forecast for Durham here.

Tickets

Tickets are available for this fixture with adult tickets priced at £5 and junior tickets £1.

Click here to visit the Durham ticket office.

Travel

Address: Durham County Cricket Club, Emirates Riverside, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH3 3QR

By car: The ground is situated a mile outside Chester-le-Street. There are two car parks at the ground.

The Emirates Riverside has a designated drop-off and pick-up point for all cars and taxis.

A road closure may be in place on B1284 Rotary Way immediately after play finishes. The club say it is advisable for vehicles to be at the pick-up point approximately 15 minutes before close of play. All vehicles must turn left when exiting from the pick-up point.

Details regarding road closures for major events will be made available on the Durham CCC website two to three weeks prior to the event taking place.

By public transport: Chester-le-Street rail station is served by Northern Rail, CrossCountry & First TransPennine trains. The station is a 20-minute walk from the ground. East Coast services stop at both Durham and Newcastle instead.

There is a shuttle bus service available from Durham Station to and from Emirates Riverside.

Several buses beginning their journeys in Newcastle stop near the Riverside.

Prediction?

Expect a very close game but Northern Diamonds have the depth of talent to claw victory from the jaws of defeat. Home win.