Adams: Southern Vipers Raring To Go In Super League Defence

Georgia Adams believes Southern Vipers will be raring to go when they continue their defence of the Kia Super League against Loughborough Lightning on Tuesday, despite their preparation being far from ideal.

Vipers thrashed Western Storm by nine wickets in a repeat of last year’s final at the The Ageas Bowl in the first match of a T20 double-header, with Suzie Bates smashing an unbeaten 47, with Adams at the other end when their victory was confirmed.

The weather washed out both Vipers’ warm-up games, including their match against Surrey on the Isle of Wight, and Adams was one of several players affected by a virus which has been going through the camp.

“We’ve all had a bit of a summer cold but we’re all fine now,” said Adams. “We started training a month ago but since the World Cup finished we’ve been pretty much on the go every day and we can’t wait for tomorrow.”

The 23-year-old Sussex captain has been on the fringes of the England set-up for a number of years, helping the Vipers to victory in the inaugural edition of the Super League last year.

She recognises the importance of the competition in bridging the gap between county cricket and the level to which she and the other home-based players will aspire too over the next few weeks.

“Last year was brilliant in terms of the exposure it gave us and this year, with a lot of games on Sky and playing before the men, this year is going to be even better,” she said.

“From a personal point of view, I learned so much, just playing alongside world-class players like Bates, picking up little bits from them in terms of their preparation and how they approach different scenarios in the game and facing different bowlers.

“Playing in front of bigger crowds as well gives you such a buzz and I definitely feel the competition will grow even more this year, especially after the World Cup success. There is a big incentive for all the England players to do well, whether you’re in the squad of trying to break into it.”

With Lauren Winfield and Tammy Beaumont established at the top of the England order, Adams may have to reinvent herself as a middle-order batsman in the 50 overs format, but that’s an ambition down the line.

For now, her focus is on scoring consistent runs for the Vipers and helping them defend their title in what she describes as “a wide-open competition.”

They face Surrey Stars at the The Ageas Bowl on 20 August and Yorkshire Diamonds at Arundel Castle on the 26August in their other two home games of this season’s competition.

“Every team looks so strong,” she added. “I think we’re all of a similar level. What will help I think is that with more matches on TV hopefully we will play on better pitches which can only showcase the women’s game more.

“We need to build on the momentum of the World Cup win. A lot of people are talking about women’s cricket at the moment and we have to keep that going and build on it.”

Southern Vipers will be playing three games across the South Coast this summer, with U17s gaining free entry for all these ties. To buy tickets for any of the Vipers’ game, follow the link below: