A guide to Manchester Originals’ 2023 Squad
Sophie Ecclestone – It’s undeniable that Sophie Ecclestone is the best bowler in the world at the moment. In prime form during the Ashes, Ecclestone took 20 wickets, including 10-fer in the Test match. Regardless of the format, the left-arm spinner is always able to find a breakthrough and is a reliable option.
Deandra Dottin (overseas) – Despite her plethora of accolades across the world both in franchise cricket and international cricket, Dottin has somewhat underperformed for Thunder over the past two seasons. The former West Indies all-rounder has had some good performances in an Originals shirt but is yet to play consistently well.
Emma Lamb – Although Lamb is more suited to longer format cricket, her contributions across the two editions so far or the originals have earned her a space in the squad once again. It’s been a quieter summer for Lamb in regards to England duties but she’s continued to play well at domestic level.
Ellie Threlkeld – Watching Ellie Threlkeld keep is like watching a magician at work. Threlkeld’s unbelievable reaction speed, ability behind the stumps and some of the stumpings she’s done over the past few months have been mind bowling to spectators. Batting has been a weaker part of her game but it has massively improved over the past 12 months.
Laura Wolvaardt (overseas) – Well known for her textbook cover drive, Wolvaardt has had another successful year playing in the WBBL, WPL and FairBreak. Wolvaardt top-scored in the T20 World Cup final on home soil but has had a quieter off season, having not played for a few months. She makes the move from Northern Superchargers where she has spent the first editions.
Amanda-Jade Wellington (overseas) – Spending two seasons at Southern Brave, Aussie leg-spinner, Amanda-Jade Wellington has swapped to Manchester Originals. She’s been overlooked by Australian selectors in recent years however, Wellington has spent time playing in New Zealand, sourcing opportunities elsewhere.
Kathryn Bryce – Scotland captain, Kathryn Bryce, is joining her second team, switching from the Trent Rockets. The Blaze – Bryce’s regional side – have hugely benefitted to her consistent contributions with both bat and ball.
Katie George – The last few seasons have been extremely difficult for Katie George after a frustrating back injury, preventing George from fully showing what she can do in the Hundred. Welsh Fire was her previous team, but her all-round ability and left-arm seam bowling has earned her interest from the Originals.
Liberty Heap – On her Old Trafford debut, Liberty Heap emerged as an explosive and fearless batter. Moving into the U19 World Cup, her role at the top of the order to score quickly was highly effective. Heading into the Hundred, this format looks to be a style which will suit her.
Phoebe Graham – Currently on loan to Western Storm, Phoebe Graham has struggled to make it into Thunder’s XI. This will make it more difficult for her to break into the Originals XI, but Graham does offer something different to other seamers within the team.
Fi Morris – Fi Morris has taken her cricket to the next level this season, moving domestic side and finding her role in Thunder’s side. Her batting and bowling have been consistent and impressive, something which has come to fruition this season.
Ami Campbell – Finding some form in the past few weeks, Ami Campbell has become a solid middle-order batter for Central Sparks. Campbell is back for another summer at Manchester Originals after a sightly poor stint last year.
Amara Carr – Although Ellie Threlkeld will be behind the stumps, Amara Carr can still offer something with the bat. Carr’s had a low scoring season for Sunrisers but the opportunity to train and play with some of the best can only help her.
Mahika Gaur – 17-year-old Mahika Gaur has thrived, moving to England last year to play for Thunder. With 19 UAE caps, Gaur is also able to qualify for England and was included in an England A squad against Australia A. At 6ft tall and bowling left-arm seam, there’s no player on the circuit quite like her at the moment.
Laura Jackson – Laura Jackson has also found game time difficult, running drinks for much of the season. The Originals have a few pace options which makes it more challenging for Jackson to break into the XI.
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