There have been exceptional performances, different players stepping up and some impressive debutants in the 2023 Charlotte Edwards Cup. So, who made the team of the tournament?
Bryony Smith – South East Stars (WK)
It feels harsh to give the role of wicket keeper to a non-wicket keeper but I suppose that’s what South East Stars did! Bryony Smith was helpful with the bat finishing as the tournament’s leading run scorer after the group stages with 256 on the board from her seven innings. Taking 5 wickets, her contribution with the ball has been quieter than previous years and leading her team hasn’t been as successful however, she’s been a solid and reliable opening batter.
Emma Lamb – Thunder
With 200 runs on the board, Emma Lamb is the next player in the team of the tournament. Consistency hasn’t been Lamb’s biggest strength but she’s delivered some impressive performances, particularly against Central Sparks and South East Stars. Lamb’s also been taking wickets and has remained pretty economical. At only 25, she’s emerged as a leader within Thunder’s side. It’s the 50-over format where she excels but she’s shown what she can do in T20s this tournament.
Danni Wyatt – Southern Vipers
It’s hard to look past leading run scorer and Vipers’ batting hero, Danni Wyatt. With three half centuries in the tournament including 76 and 50 in the semi-final and final respectively, Wyatt has found her form in T20s – luckily for England fans, ahead of the Ashes. Crucially, her 76 against Thunder, opening the batting, guided the Vipers to victory to reach the final.
Georgia Adams – Southern Vipers ©
Georgia Adams collects trophies for fun it seems like! Adams led her side to their fifth trophy in the history of the team – the fourth since the restructure – hitting the winning runs against The Blaze. The Vipers skipper has led from the front scoring 249 runs but has also developed her all-round role, taking 10 wickets. Adams won the Charlotte Edwards Cup Player of the Tournament – a very deserved accolade.
Dani Gibson – Western Storm
As usual, Dani Gibson has been ever-present for Western Storm. With 8 wickets and 166 runs in the bag, Gibson has been one of the most valuable all-rounders in the competition. The 22-year-old was a part of a few significant innings in winning games against Sunrisers and Central Sparks. Gibson’s recent performances have also earned her and England call up where she has been included in England’s Test side for the Ashes.
Fi Morris – Thunder
Arguably one of the best moves this season, Fi Morris has thrived at Thunder after her move from Western Storm. Morris is such a valuable player and has proved that because although she may not make huge scores, she will always deliver and has been consistent in the T20 format. The all-rounder has scored 209 runs making her the 5th highest run scorer but it’s been her persistent batting which has ensured victories for Thunder.
Erin Burns – Central Sparks
Australian overseas signing, Erin Burns has started her spell in England very well, becoming Central Sparks’ leading run scorer. What’s perhaps more fascinating is that her bowling has given her the headlines. Unconventionally bowling with her cap on, Burns has taken 9 wickets – including 3/26. Back down under, Burns is not particularly utilised as a bowler and was known for bowling a few full tosses in the Hundred when she featured for Manchester Originals.
Cordelia Griffith – Sunrisers
Sunrisers have had another winless campaign, but Cordelia Griffith has been the player head and shoulders above her teammates. At the end of the group stages, Griffith sat as the 4th highest run scorer with 205 from 6 innings. For context on how significant this is, the second highest run scorer for Sunrisers is Grace Scrivens who finished on 97 runs.
Nadine de Klerk – The Blaze
Nadine de Klerk has taken the Lottie Cup right in her stride. Excelling in the 50-over format, it was unknown how de Klerk would suit the T20s, especially given her poor World Cup form. The Blaze will be grateful that she found the form and finished as the leading wicket taker with 15. A prolific wicket taker is exactly what is needed in T20s and the South African international has delivered.
Phoebe Franklin – South East Stars
Winning PCA Player of the Month for May, Phoebe Franklin has stepped up during this campaign for the South East Stars. If 196 runs weren’t enough, Franklin took 7 wickets with best figures of 3/24. This is Phoebe’s first year on a professional contract which is perhaps why this season has been so successful for the 25-year-old.
Katie Levick - Northern Diamonds
Katie Levick consistently delivers for the Northern Diamonds. It was a disappointing end to the side’s campaign, but Levick took 12 wickets at an average of 12.00 – that included 5/19 against the Sunrisers in a triumphant win at Headingley.
12th: Olivia Bell – Thunder
It’s hard enough to make the step up from academy to senior cricket but imagine the player’s spot you’re filling is the world’s best bowler. Olivia Bell made her debut in the middle of the tournament in the absence of Sophie Ecclestone. After two wickets on debut, Bell continued to impress taking 11 wickets in total – including a vital 4/37 against Southern Vipers in the semi-final. For context, Bell played four games taking 11 wickets, Ecclestone also played four and took 6 wickets. Unfortunately for England fans, Bell wears a Scottish shirt but she’s certainly a player to keep an eye on at Thunder.
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