Charlotte Edwards Is Ready To Inspire

Southern Vipers captain Charlotte Edwards is raring to go in the Kia Super League, which arrives at the The Ageas Bowl on 31^st August when the Vipers clash with Surrey Stars.

Edwards had a twinkle in her eye as she pondered being part of a revolutionary movement in the women’s game and was visibly excited about playing in a star-studded side sprinkled with promising youth.

The six-team competition, which begins with Loughborough Lightning versus Yorkshire Diamonds, has rejuvenated the former England skipper’s love for the game, to which she has long been at the forefront.

“It’s getting really exciting now, with it being just over a week away,” Edwards said. “It’s been nice to have the team together for three months of training – the The Ageas Bowl feels like home.

“It’s been incredible how Rod Bransgrove and everyone at the The Ageas Bowl have welcomed us into the family, and to have world class facilities has been fantastic. Hopefully we can repay it all with a trophy.

“This competition is all about watching high quality cricket, and hopefully we can create a real family atmosphere. We want as many people as possible to come down here to cheers us on.”

The Vipers’ squad of 15 has a balance of youth and experience, with locally sourced talents mixed in with esteemed internationals adept at dealing with high-pressure situations.

Hampshire all-rounder Katie George, 17, has impressed Edwards and is all set to perform at the highest level of women’s cricket.

“This is a big stage for her and you can see her excitement,” Edwards said. “It makes you want to perform alongside her.”

“This is not just about winning cricket matches – although that’s important - it’s about developing younger players.”

“It’s a wonderful camp. We have funny girls like Alice MacLeod and Fi Morris, competitive girls like Suzie Bates, young girls, and the experience of Lydia Greenway and Arran Brindle, who are going to enjoy this next step of their career.”

New Zealand all-rounder Bates seems to spark a distinctively competitive streak in Edwards; they have spent countless matches beside one another, having both represented the Perth Scorchers for three consecutive winters.

“I was very keen to get Suzie in for the Vipers,” Edwards said. “After all, she’s the Wisden Women’s Cricketer of the Year - she gives so much on the field and off it.”

“Suzie is giving so much back to the youngsters around here and that’s vitally important for me.”

Edwards had represented her country for 20 years when she retired from international cricket in May, having become the youngest England debutant as a 16-year-old in 1996. The Kia Women’s Super League has opened a new chapter in her decorated career.

“The women’s game is moving rapidly and it’s nice for me to have a focus,” Edwards said. “Women’s cricket needed this competition to bridge the gap between international and domestic cricket.

“I don’t know what I’d have done if I wasn’t involved with this. To be able to train and play at this level means it’s not such a sudden cut off from the international stage.

“I’ll be giving it my all over the next few weeks.”

Words: Sam Fletcher

Tickets for the The Ageas Bowl’s Southern Vipers matches are available for just £5 for Adults and £1 for Under 17s and can be purchased online, over the phone on 0844 847 1863, or by visiting the The Ageas Bowl’s Ticketing & Membership Office via normal working hours.

Hampshire Cricket Members are entitled to free admission to all of the Southern Vipers’ home fixtures in 2016 - Membership cards will be accepted in the turnstiles.