Match Preview: Southern Vipers v Lancashire Thunder, Kia Super League

After two impressive victories to start this summer’s Kia Super League campaign, Southern Vipers suffered a nail-biting defeat against an impressive Western Storm side, followed by a rained off clash against Surrey Stars last time out.

Tammy Beaumont’s side will be looking to bounce back from those frustrating results when they head to Hove on Thursday to take on Lancashire Lightning, a side they’ve beaten in the reverse fixture already this season.

Southern Vipers Squad:

An unchanged 15-strong squad has been named for this week’s home contest.

Stafanie Taylor has enjoyed a brilliant start to the competition so far after her summer move to the Vipers, with the all-rounder offering experience and consistency in the top-order with the bat and good control with the ball during the middle overs. The 28-year-old has scores of 40, 38 and 44* in her three innings so far, whilst also restricting the opposition batters with her accurate off-spin.

Tammy Beaumont and Danni Wyatt have both been crucial too, the duo each scoring a half-century in the opening three games, whilst Tash Farrant has been equally instrumental to the side’s early success with two three-wicket hauls to begin the competition.

The Opposition:

Lancashire Thunder have had a difficult start to their 2019 campaign with four defeats in their opening four fixtures ensuring they sit bottom of the table with just six games to go.

Overseas batter Harmanpreet Kaur has featured prominently for Kate Cross’ side so far this season though, totalling 126 runs at an average of 42 across her four innings, although a lack of support from others in the top order – the next best batter has just 76 runs at an average of 19 – is something that will need addressing for an improved run of results. Cross, Alex Hartley and Emma Lamb have been the most successful with the ball having picked up four wickets each heading into their trip to Hove.

Full Southern Vipers Squad:

Coverage:

The Southern Vipers’ social media channels will provide updates throughout Thursday’s match whilst a live match centre will be available at www.ageasbowl.com/cricket.

Weather Forecast:

Please follow the link for the latest weather forecast for Hove: http://ow.ly/NcpU30plNoq

Tickets:

Tickets for Thursday’s match-up against Lancashire Thunder at Hove can be purchased via the Sussex Cricket website: https://sussexcricket.co.uk/