A guide to Northern Superchargers’ 2023 Squad
Phoebe Litchfield - Young gun Phoebe Litchfield replaces the legend Alyssa Healy who will not feature due to fractured fingers sustained during the Ashes. Litchfield comes in off the back of her maiden century against Ireland and her first Ashes series. Opening the batting for Australia, she's not looked out of place and has held her own.
Hollie Armitage – Leading regional side, Northern Diamonds, Hollie Armitage has become a great leader within the regional system. Her batting has stood out over the season but has also been a regular wicket taker.
Linsey Smith – Linsey Smith heads back up north after departing from the Northern Diamonds last September. Reuniting with former teammates, Smith will be among familiar company who she has played against over the past season. Bowling off-spin, Smith was also picked up by Otago Sparks, grasping opportunities over in New Zealand.
Bess Heath – The Hundred suits Bess Heath’s style perfectly. As a quick scoring batter, Heath thrives in the short format and although she won’t be wicket-keeping, the opportunity to learn from Alyssa Healy will be invaluable.
Kate Cross – In a move which shocked even Kate Cross herself, a trip across the Pennines was confirmed in the draft. Despite not playing international T20s, Cross performs really well in the Hundred which is evident through the Superchargers’ keenness to sign her.
Georgia Wareham (overseas) – An injury ridden few years have not been ideal, but Georgia Wareham is making up for it with some unbelievable displays in an Aussie shirt. Scoring 26 from an over in the 2nd ODI of the Ashes, Wareham pretty much sealed the Ashes, and that’s just her batting!
Jemimah Rodrigues (overseas) - Heather Graham was forced to withdraw through injury meaning Indian batter, Jemimah Rodrigues returns for a third year with the Superchargers. Bringing flair, fearlessness and some musical talent, Rodrigues is an excellent team player and a calm head to have at the top of the order.
Alice Davidson-Richards – Ready to start a third season with Northern Superchargers, Alice Davidson-Richards is performing well for England A and the South East Stars. She may have been overlooked by England selectors, but it will be interesting to see Davidson-Richards bowl in tandem with Kate Cross or Heather Graham.
Marie Kelly – As a player who usually goes big or goes home, Marie Kelly is well-suited to the fast-paced nature of the competition. Moving to her third Hundred team, hopefully Kelly will remain at the top of the order.
Aylish Cranstone – Similarly to Kelly, Aylish Cranstone can be a powerful opener or top order batter. Cranstone’s suffered an ongoing wrist injury and her recent dip in form hasn’t helped. However, a new environment, up north, could be the opportunity to get back into form.
Leah Dobson – A product of the Diamonds Academy, Leah Dobson has come onto the scene as a consistent middle order batter, willing to carry out any role required. Dobson played a key part in the Diamonds’ win at Lords in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Final.
Georgie Boyce – Moving across the Pennines, like Cross, Georgie Boyce will be pushing for a place in the XI with some strong regional performances to back her. Boyce moved domestically to the Blaze where she’s progressed her ability.
Lucy Higham – Off spinner, Lucy Higham, has proved herself as a wicket-taking threat in regional cricket this season. It’s her second season with the Superchargers, last year featuring in all six matches.
Grace Ballinger – Teammate of Higham and Boyce, fast bowler Grace Ballinger has joined from London Spirit where she made her tournament debut. It’s been a very good season for Ballinger so far with key contributions in both the T20s and one day games.
Grace Hall – Having only made her senior regional debut in May, Grace Hall is another exciting young seam bowler coming through the pathway. Hall had a positive start to her senior career, playing well at Headingley, Edgbaston and the Oval, preparing her well for the Hundred.
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