A guide to Oval Invincibles’ 2023 Squad
Marizanne Kapp (overseas) – Featuring in both the WBBL and WPL this year, South African fast-bowler, Marizanne Kapp has continued to impress across the world. As one of the most experienced players in the side, she’s a great role model to guide young fast bowlers within the team.
Alice Capsey – Bursting onto the scene as a 16-year-old in the first edition, Alice Capsey is continuing at the Oval Invincibles, looking for a third title. Capsey’s thrived on the international scene, playing fearlessly against Australia in the Ashes. Whether she’s batting at the top of the order or bowling some off-spin, Capsey loves the big occasion and plays with freedom.
Lauren Winfield-Hill – Coming back for a second season with the Invincibles, Lauren Winfield-Hill has continued the prime form she found in 2022 right in to 2023. Winfield-Hill can be a quick scorer but often plays a mature innings.
Lizzie Scott – Also hailing from the north-east, Lizzie Scott has been a late addition to the Oval Invincibles replacing the injured Tash Farrant. Hoping to make her tournament debut, Scott has regularly featured for the Northern Diamonds and was involved in the U19 World Cup for England.
Suzie Bates (overseas) – Suzie Bates led the Oval Invincibles last summer and was perhaps their most valuable player. Opening the batting for New Zealand, Bates has had a great stint against Sri Lanka in their recent white ball series.
Dane van Niekerk (overseas) – After a tough few seasons, Dane van Niekerk will be back for Oval Invincibles, bringing her leadership skills and all-round ability. Van Niekerk has spent the past few weeks with the Sunrisers, taking the captaincy role but still struggling for wins.
Mady Villiers – While an England recall has seemed far away, Mady Villiers has been an important member of a young Sunrisers squad. Taking six wickets in the 2022 edition, Villiers has been re-signed for the winning side.
Paige Scholfield – Paige Scholfield was involved with Southern Brave in 2022 but did not play a game. She’s hoping for a competition debut with the Oval Invincibles after a very promising start at the South East Stars. Scoring consecutive centuries at the start of the season, her name became much more prominent, and she can impact with bat and ball.
Eva Gray – Finishing as joint leading wicket-taker for Oval Invincibles last year, it is not surprise that she is back again for 2023. Gray has excelled at the Sunrisers having signed her first professional contract this winter.
Ryana MacDonald-Gay – Having a successful first season in the Hundred, Ryana MacDonald-Gay returns to the champions. MacDonald-Gay has since signed a professional contract, played at the U19 World Cup in South Africa and been a regular for the South East Stars.
Kira Chathli – It will either be Winfield-Hill or Chathli behind the stumps for the defending champions but regardless, Chathli performed well with the bat last season and has continued that heading into the 2023 season.
Sophia Smale – Alongside Eva Gray as joint leading wicket-taker for the Invincibles, Sophia Smale truly entered the stage as the breakout star of the summer. Earning a contract with Western Storm and sealing her place at the U19 World Cup, it amplified Smale’s career. As a left-arm off spinner who mainly dismissed A-Listers, Smale’s an exciting prospect for any side.
Hannah Rainey - Unfortunately, Beth Langston has not fully recovered from the ACL injury she sustained in last year's competition. Bowling for Scotland and Thunder, Rainey comes off a good stint with the Scots, facing the Netherlands and Thailand in Utrecht.
Cordelia Griffith – Manchester Originals has been home for Cordelia Griffith over the past two seasons, but the Oval Invincibles were keen to sign her this year. Griffith has been outstanding at the Sunrisers in a side where she has to step up and perform.
Claudie Cooper – Only making her senior debut a few weeks ago at Lords, Claudie Cooper has come onto the senior scene after working hard in the Surrey pathway and South East Stars Academy. She’s already dismissed players such as Chloe Tryon and Lauren Winfield-Hill in only a few senior games.
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