Birmingham Bears women’s captain Marie Kelly insists her team “can’t wait” to make history at Edgbaston this weekend by taking part in the first NatWestT20Blast double-header at the ground.
it is a great chance for us to show what we can do in front of a new audience
Marie Kelly
The Bears women’s team will face Nottinghamshire on Sunday afternoon straight after the men’s side has taken on Lancashire Lightning (2.30pm).
It is the first of two Sunday-afternoon double-headers for the Birmingham Bears at Edgbaston this summer. On July 17 the women will play Lancashire directly following the men’s game against Leicestershire Foxes.
And Kelly’s team, in excellent form already this season, are fired up to make the most of their first appearance on the main ground.
“We are all really looking forward to it,” the captain said. “It is a great chance for us to show what we can do in front of a new audience. Hopefully a lot of people will stay on after the men’s game and we can play good, exciting cricket to show them how strong the women’s game is.
“It is our first T20 of the season but we are going into it in great form, top of our group and unbeaten in the 50-over format. We have got some very exciting and attacking players like Anna Lanning and Georgia Hennessy and, personally, I love playing T20 because you can really play with freedom and play entertaining cricket.”
Sunday’s double-header promises a feast of action for the Edgbaston spectators with the women’s match starting as soon as possible after the men’s has finished.
we will go into Sunday’s game with a lot of confidence
Marie Kelly
“It will be great for us to play on the main ground,” said Marie. “We’re hoping to be able to practice on the square on Friday and then to play a match there on Sunday, and then another one in July, will be great experience.
“We have had some really tight games with Nottinghamshire in the past. Having just been promoted in T20 we know this season is going to be a higher standard and a tough step up, but we have played some really good 50-over cricket this season so will go into Sunday’s game with a lot of confidence.”
See Maria in action
Birmingham Bears men take on the Lancashire Lightning and Birmingham Bears Women face Notts Outlaws this Sunday. We’re delighted to be offering FREE admission for all Under 16s and if you purchase in our advanced sales window you’ll save £4 on your ticket ahead of our on the day ticket price. To secure your tickets please click here.
