Bears Women return to action for their latest Vitality Blast fixture on Wednesday 27 May, as they welcome The Blaze to Edgbaston.
Play gets under way at 2:30pm at The People’s Home of Cricket, with the Bears looking to jump-start their campaign after slipping to defeat in each of their opening two games.
Here’s what you need to know…
On-field contest
Although it’s been a difficult start to the Blast for the Bears, they did have the edge over The Blaze in last year’s competition, so this makes for an intriguing clash. Their first meeting ended in an entertaining draw at Trent Bridge before the Bears won by 25 runs in the reverse fixture. The teams met again at the semi-final stage, with Issy Wong starring with both bat and ball as the Bears won by 20 runs.
The Blaze arrive at Edgbaston in great form though and will be looking to make it three wins from three to start their 2026 Vitality Blast campaign.
They’ve successfully chased in both games so far, winning by four-wickets against Yorkshire after being set 180 to win, before winning by three wickets against Lancashire on Sunday.
Bears’ team news
The Bears make one addition to the squad that took on Somerset on Sunday, with Charis Pavely returning after being away on England duty. The team will be announced at the toss.
Bears squad: Georgia Davis, Meg Austin, Hannah Baker, Phoebe Brett, Chloe Brewer, Bethan Ellis, Abbey Freeborn, Charis Pavely, Georgia Redmayne, Alexa Stonehouse, Amu Surenkumar, Mary Taylor, Millie Taylor, Nat Wraith.
Players to watch
Meg Austin – An entertaining 41 from just 29 balls against Somerset on Sunday from Austin, helped the Bears post a competitive total. Alongside opening partner Abbey Freeborn, who is currently the third highest run-scorer in the competition, they could be important in shaping the Bears’ innings.
Phoebe Brett – With three wickets to her name across the first two Blast fixtures, the left arm spinner is a dangerous option for the Bears in the middle overs. At just 17-years-old, Brett is one of the brightest prospects in county cricket.
Tammy Beaumont (The Blaze) – Beaumont has over 100 international T20 appearances to her name for England, and is in good form ahead of the showdown at Edgbaston. She scored 54 off 29 in The Blaze’s win over Lancashire.
Off-field celebration
Coinciding with the Bears’ fixture against The Blaze, registrations are open to attend a free Women’s World Cup networking lunch, taking place at the stadium on game day.
You can now register to attend the celebration of women’s sport, which will take a deeper look into the Marketing Strategy behind the Women’s World Cup, and includes several workshops covering the Importance of Sports Bras, Women’s Health in Sport, Allyship in Sport and there will also be a Networking Masterclass.
The event is family friendly, with a kids’ Bears classroom session taking place for children. On the day, attendees can also enjoy a free stadium tour of Edgbaston.