It has been quite the start to 2026 for Worcestershire Rapids starlet, Bryony Gillgrass…
After bursting onto the scene for the Rapids last year, the exciting all-rounder saw her rich vein of form rewarded with a call-up to the England U19’s training squad for the recent tour of India.
Having returned safely from her travels and reluctantly swapped the unrelenting humidity for relentless rain, Bryony took some time to talk us through exactly what she got up to whilst away with the Three Lions…
Tell us how the trip to India arose:
“The trip to India came as part of our winter training programme, we have been training at Loughborough for three-days every fortnight in preparation for a tri-series against Australia and Sri-Lanka, with a view long-term on the 2027 World Cup.”
What was the overall purpose of the trip for you and the group?
“I guess it gave the whole U19’s group a chance to develop our game in a way a lot of us haven’t experienced before. Things like the turning pitches really enabled us to enhance our batting against spin, but also for the bowlers gave them an idea of what those tracks are like. Also, with the World Cup in January next year being in Nepal and Bangladesh, it was a great chance to experience some similar conditions and climates.”
What was it like receiving the phone call to be told you were part of the travelling squad and then being around the Indian cricket culture for the time you were away?
“Getting the phone call was amazing! I was absolutely buzzing to hear I had been picked, as I knew only 12 players were going so I wasn’t sure of my chances of being picked. I was so excited to be going away and experiencing cricket in India as I had heard so much about it through friends and family who had been there and experienced it. the culture out there as well is just so amazing, the streets are so busy and full of energy and the colours all around are incredible, they are just cricket mad!”
What was your experience like being able to tour somewhere like India, representing your country?
“To experience a tour with England was a surreal experience and something I had been working towards for a long time. To have the hard work pay off and to be out there was just brilliant. The level of professionalism the group had whilst we were away there really aided everyone get the most out of the experience.”
What was it like being able to experience an environment like and what did you take away from the trip?
“The experience I have gained is invaluable. I have learnt so much about my game, from both a bowling and batting perspective. To see how the Indian players go about playing the game and learning from them about how to be successful in those conditions was a big learning experience.”
Your teammate, Sophie Beech, was also selected for the training camp – how nice was it to be able to share the experience that with a close teammate and friend?
“Having Beechy out there was class. I get on with all the girls in the 19s squad anyway, but to have a very close mate out there made the experience even better. We had so much fun both on the pitch and off it, going on a safari drive with her sat next to me was a real highlight! We saw some incredible animals such as elephants, lions and zebras.”
What are your main goals and aspirations for the 2026 season with it fast approaching?!
“One of my goals for 2026 is to reach some finals with the Rapids, maybe even two! Of course, I want to score some big runs to help us get there as a team, contribute with the ball, but mainly to keep enjoying and enhancing my game!”
