Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire and Wales have joined forces to create a new 50-over women’s competition which will run alongside The Hundred, further bolstering the amount of cricket played by women at county level. In addition, the ECB has also confirmed that the current Vitality Women’s T20 competition will continue to run at county level indefinitely.
Over 20 players will participate in in the Women’s Rapids pre-season programme led by Ryan D’Oliveira. Fixtures for the squad, which will be whittled down to a final 15, will begin early May and home fixtures played at grounds across Worcestershire.
Worcestershire Women’s Rapids Coach Ryan D’Oliveira commented, “It’s brilliant for the development of Women’s cricket that more cricket has been introduced in 2022.
“County cricket forms an integral part of the women’s talent pathway, giving female cricketers the best opportunity to improve and showcase their talent and progress up to the professional Central Sparks team.
Worcestershire Women’s batter Georgie Macey added, “The season is fast approaching and the squad are all very excited.
“It’s brilliant that Milly and Ami joining us for the season and really exciting that the good young players coming through the age groups are coming back with a years more experience.
“We think we have a balanced and strong line up this year and really fancy our chances of making big progress from 2021.
“The county competitions form a vital part of the women’s cricket programme each year and the addition of the regional 50-over competition is crucial to the players development and will really help us push, on and hopefully get selected to play in regional cricket for Central Sparks or one of the other professional level sides across the country.
“I’ve trained with the Central Sparks a few times informally and its given me an even motivation to try and get a contract, which is the aim of all of the players within the Rapids squad.
“We always feel really proud to represent Worcestershire and pull on the kit. It’s excellent that the Club are doing more than ever to make us feel part of the set up and the additional training kit, alongside the full match wear is very well received.”
The Women’s Rapids side are proudly sponsored by A Plan Commercial & Marine Insurance Worcester
