Ellie Anderson has spoken of her pride after being chosen to captain Worcestershire Women’s Rapids for the first time at senior level in Sunday’s West Midlands Regional Cup match with Wales at RGS Worcester’s Flagge Meadow ground (11am start).
The England Under-19 all-rounder has skippered Worcestershire at Under-13, Under-15 and Under-18 level during her eight years on the pathway.
Now she will lead the Rapids in place of keeper-batter Chloe Hill who telephoned Anderson on Friday morning to tell her the news.
Hill suffered a finger injury when fielding while on loan to South East Stars from Southern Vipers in a Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy with Northern Diamonds at Beckenham.
She had earlier top-scored for her side with 63.
Anderson said: “I am really proud and pleased that Chloe thought to ask me but the senior girls will be helping me as well. I won’t be left out on my own.
“It came as a surprise when she rang me. I thought I would just be turning up and bowling when I’m asked to bowl.
“I’ve captained Worcestershire all the way through age group cricket and a couple of games for the Central Sparks Academy last year so it’s not like I’ve never done something like this before.
“But to be captain of the first team will be really exciting.
“I’ve learnt a lot from Chloe and she makes her decisions really early so I’ve always got an overs notice as to when I’m going to bowl.
“She has involved me quite a lot in her decision-making as well and I always try to help her out as much as I can.”
Hill will be lending her moral support to Anderson and the Rapids from the side-lines and in the dressing room on Sunday.
Ellie Roberts will make her senior debut for the Rapids and she will keep wicket in place of Hill.
Included in the 12 strong squad is Gabby Basketter who made the switch from Wales to play for the Rapids this summer.
The Rapids will be hoping for better fortunes with the weather in the Regional Cup as all of their group games in the ECB County T20 Cup were washed out before they lost at the semi-final stage.
Hill said: “Everyone has only got to put on the Rapids kit for one game so far this season which is a bit ridiculous when you consider we are half-way through the season.
“They will all be itching to play for the Rapids again and hopefully go one better than last year when we lost the final with an under strength team.”
The Rapids will be without the injured Emily Arlott while Ami Campbell is unavailable but have still announced a strong squad.
Hill said: “The players coming through the pathway and the players we have recruited means we should give the competition a good run for its money again and hopefully go one further.
Worcestershire Women’s Rapids
Milly Home
Jess Humby
Gabby Basketter
Amy Maund
Flora Bertwhistle
Clare Boycott
Ellie Roberts (W)
Charlotte Roberts
Charis Pavely
Ellie Anderson (C)
Hannah Hardwick
Phoebe Brett
