A guide to Welsh Fire’s 2023 Squad
Tammy Beaumont – England stalwart Tammy Beaumont will continue at the Welsh Fire and will be hoping for some more success than last summer. Making history in the Ashes test, Beaumont is a fan favourite and scores the runs to back it up.
Hayley Matthews (overseas) – Putting in important and consistent shifts for the West Indies, Hayley Matthew is a handy all-rounder. Back at the Welsh Fire for a third year, Matthews will also be keen to get some wins under her belt.
Sophia Dunkley – It was hard to see Sophia Dunkley struggle for runs during the Ashes. Regular viewers of England or the South East Stars know her capabilities so her poor performances for England have not been reflective of her ability at the top of the order.
Shabnim Ismail (overseas) – As one of the fast bowlers in the world, Shabnim Ismail is a huge wicket taking threat. After two winning seasons at Oval Invincibles, Ismail has moved to Welsh Fire who only won one game last year.
Georgia Elwiss – Vipers all-rounder Georgia Elwiss is swapping orange for red as she joins Welsh Fire. An experienced and England capped player, Elwiss will be a great mentor to the younger players in the side and has plenty to offer in the XI.
Freya Davies – Freya Davies has been on 12th duties for England over the Ashes, only featuring at Edgbaston in a T20 but, Davies’ regional outings have been important for the South East Stars’ success.
Laura Harris (overseas) – The signing of Laura Harris felt like some sort of cheat code! Harris, who will play against her younger sister, hasn’t been capped for Australia but has one of the best strike rates in the WBBL. This makes her return to the Hundred very well suited.
Alex Hartley – Alex Hartley announced her break from cricket a few months ago to prioritise her mental health and find her love for cricket again. The Hundred will be the first time she plays in a while, but she’s mentioned her excitement to be at Welsh Fire and her motto of ‘best when fresh’.
Alex Griffiths – Alex Griffiths is one of a few Welsh players for Welsh Fire. This is Griffiths’ third year with the Fire and although she didn’t play in 2022, she’s been scoring runs at regional level.
Claire Nicholas – As last years leading wicket-taker for Welsh Fire, Nicholas was an easy re-signing. The off-spinner hasn’t played for the Western Storm since the Charlotte Edwards Cup in June.
Sarah Bryce – Sarah Bryce will probably be Welsh Fire’s first choice keeper, usually keeping for The Blaze and Scotland. Bryce’s batting has been slightly inconsistent this season but she’s previously played well in the Hundred.
Emily Windsor – A specialist finisher, Emily Windsor hit the winning runs of Oval Invincibles last year but has now made the move to Welsh Fire. This is her third Hundred team but after tasting success last season, the batter will be keen to improve Welsh Fire’s track record.
Ella McCaughan – 2022 was Ella McCaughan’s star season with the bat, signing a professional contract at the end of it. Spending last summer with the Southern Brave, McCaughan has moved to Welsh Fire, not managing to get game time at the Brave.
Kate Coppack – Growing up in Wales, Kate Coppack is returning to play for the Welsh Fire in search of a tournament debut. Coppack is now a key part of Sunrisers’ bowling attack but is yet to have a stand out performance this summer.
Chloe Skelton - Called up last minute to replace the injured Georgia Davis, 22-year-old off-spinner, Chloe Skelton has come into the competition. Signing a professional contract with Western Storm last year, Skelton has been valuable for her side, being their highest wicket taker last summer in the 50-over format.
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