Bears Women Em Arlott and Bethan Ellis are both set for winter training in Australia as part of their debut season preparations.
Pace bowler Arlott will swap Birmingham for Perth as she heads to play for South Perth Cricket Club, while all-rounder Ellis is Melbourne bound for training and competitive action with Essendon Maribyrnong Park CC.
Arlott, who took 72 wickets and hit more than 500 runs in her time as a Central Spark before signing for Bears Women, said the trip will help ‘shape’ the technical work she’s worked on with Bears Women Head Coach Ali Maiden and Assistant Darren Franklin.
“I’ve done a lot of work with Ali and Darren,” she said, “and I’ve made a few technical changes with both batting and bowling. So I’m excited to take those into the games in Australia and really get to try out what I’ve been working on.
“I will be playing for South Perth Cricket Club, as well as hopefully doing some state stuff, and training with the state which should be a fantastic experience.
“A big driving point for me going out there is to be able to be on grass for more of the year, something that’ll be a big help for me from a bowling perspective.
The 26-year-old added: “It’ll be good to get some game time in a new environment, on different pitches especially with Perth being renowned for pitches with good bounce and carry.
“Hopefully I can get that while I’m out there and stumble upon a few things I can bring back home to the group.
“This is the fittest I think I’ve ever felt, having been back training since late September, so it’s nice going out there when I’m at my fittest to see what I can do.”
Warwickshire-born Ellis, who has best T20 figures of 4/29, is targeting wickets Down Under and is keen to test herself in new surroundings and conditions.
“I’m hoping to get some good game time,” she added, “and to put some of the things I’ve worked on into practice. I want to gain experience in different environments and to learn from new people.
“With game time, can hopefully bring strong performances, but I’ll still be looking to focus on playing outside and working on in-match situations.
“It’ll certainly feel different, playing rather than working in the nets but it’ll be beneficial for me to continue my training, away from the technical stuff at Edgbaston.”
Bears Women will fight for trophies on three fronts: The Vitality Blast T20, Metro Bank One Day Cup, and for the first time a knockout competition featuring sides from all three tiers of the national system.
To find out more and register your interest in Bears Women visit Bears Women 2025 – Edgbaston.
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