Middlesex Preview: Rapids ready to take red hot form to Radlett

Metro Bank One Day Cup: Middlesex Women v Worcestershire Women’s Rapids

Venue: Brunton Memorial Ground, Radlett

Date: Sunday 10th May, 2026

Scheduled start time: 10:30am

Match preview sponsored by MSN Pharmacy Group.

After two wins on the bounce, the biggest test of the season so far awaits Ed Wilson’s side this Sunday, as high flying Middlesex lie in wait for a Worcestershire Women’s Rapids outfit chomping at the bit to go back to back in the 2026 Metro Bank One Day Cup.

A sparkling Sophie Beech century saw the Rapids edge past Leicestershire Foxes last time out, and the squad will have to be at their best once again on Sunday if they are to spring a shock against the early season pace setters.

Sophie Beech will be eager to pick up where she left off last week after her superb 110 anchored the Worcestershire innings, with fellow England U19 teammate Bryony Gillgrass helping herself to two wickets to put the skids on Leicestershire’s chase.

Clare Boycott, who missed out last week through injury is set to return to the side, with last week’s stand-in skipper Gwen Davies primed to continue at the top of the order.

Rapids fans will be keen to see how Meg Bishop fares after stroking a maiden fifty for her team last time out, whilst the exciting early season form of Jess Beach has filled Ed Wilson with encouragement.

Elsewhere, Olivia Gough returns to the squad after an absence last weekend.

Rapids’ young gun Bishop revelling by learning on the job  

Worcestershire Women’s Rapids rising star Meg Bishop has been the talk of the town in the early stages of the 2026 season, with the recruit wasting no time in showing all her skills at Tier 2 level.   

Brought into the squad as part of Ed Wilson’s winter recruitment drive, the talented all-rounder starred in last week’s impressive win over Leicestershire Foxes Women.   

Joining returning England U19 batter Sophie Beech, the pair added a remarkable 162 for the fourth wicket, with Beech’s century supported aptly by Bishop’s controlled 59 from 80 balls.   

Showing real maturity at the crease, Bishop says it was a memorable day for her and her side, but all eyes are on the next assignment, as Worcestershire take on high-flyers Middlesex.   

“It was nice to bounce back after a disappointing first outing against Sussex, and it was very pleasing to put runs on the board and take ten wickets; we really showed what we can do!  

“I loved batting with Beechy on Sunday, as she said, we’ve never batted together before, but it didn’t feel like that out in the middle. We were making sure to enjoy it, which made it even better, and we scored a few runs.  

“We focused on taking each ball as it comes, knowing there would be balls to put away and also acknowledging that the bowlers could bowl well. It was so nice to give the team a good total to defend in the second innings. 

“I’m looking forward to going again on Sunday against a strong Middlesex side in the 50-over comp as we look to do something no one has done in Tier 2 yet and beat them!

“It will be a tough challenge, but I am excited to get stuck in and hopefully contribute to a Worcestershire win!”

With previous experience under her belt at minor county, Dorset, Bishop has followed in the footsteps of Dutch international Sanya Khurana by settling into her new home in quick time.

With plenty of experienced figures within the squad to share their expertise, Bishop says spending time with the senior figures amongst the group and picking their brains has helped her early-season form flourish.

“I did know Sanya before briefly, as I’ve played against her in Club cricket and we’re from similar areas where we’ve roomed a couple times together this year, so it’s been nice getting to know her better!

“It is so nice to have a good mix of experienced players within the group, especially someone like Gwen, who’s played in the professional game. She’s good to talk to about her experiences and to pick her brain about the game; she is definitely someone I look up to within the team.

“This season is all about learning and improving, and I’ll be looking to my teammates for support through their experiences and knowledge to go out and put in performances for Worcestershire this year and win games of cricket!”

Middlesex Women

Sat second in the Women’s Metro Bank One Day Cup League two table, Middlesex are enjoying a fine start to the 2026 edition of the competition.

A first round 10 wicket hiding of Derbyshire Women via DLS set the side on their way, with opening batter Abbie Whybrow scoring an impressive unbeaten 63 to start her season in style.

Riva Pindoria (70* off 92) starred for Middlesex in their most recent 50-over assignment, as the top-order batter helped her team canter to a seven wicket win against Gloucestershire Women.

With the ball, it has been skipper Saskia Horley who has looked the most dangerous with the ball in hand, helping herself to three wickets in her most recent appearance.