England v Sri Lanka: first women’s T20 cricket international – live
Hello folks and welcome to the coverage of the opening T20I between England and Sri Lanka at Hove!
It’s a new beginning for Heather Knight’s side; an Ashes cycle has come to a close and there’s a bit of experimentation at play, with the next big thing on the horizon next year’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. Sophia Dunkley’s been given a rest for both the T20Is and ODIs, as was Sophie Ecclestone before she dislocated her shoulder. Nat Sciver-Brunt has also been granted a break from these three T20Is, but she’ll be back for the 50-over stuff.
So who are the new kids on the block? Mahika Gaur, just 17, is a tall left-arm quick who has been picked on raw promise, while Bess Heath, the 22-year-old batter for Northern Diamonds, is capable of giving the ball a more than decent whack in the middle order. Both are uncapped; both are in for the two legs of Sri Lanka’s visit. With Dunkley away, Maia Bouchier will step up to partner Danni Wyatt at the top of the order in these T20Is, and she’s been hitting them well: 268 runs at 38.28 while striking at 135 helped Southern Brave to Hundred glory after their two previous runners-up finishes.
It’s not been the most gorgeous day at Hove and the forecast isn’t amazing, but let’s just hope, eh. Here’s to getting a game on, and a good one, too.
I’ll be here to take you through to the close. Drop me an email/DM to chat about whatever you fancy!
Gates are now open for spectators - the rain is now very light and the Grounds Team are ready to get to work once the rain stops. 🏟
— Sussex Cricket (@SussexCCC) August 31, 2023
Further updates will be made on our live blog. 📝 ⬇