Women cricketers are ready for Ashes showdown (From Worcester News)

Women cricketers are ready for Ashes showdown

9:10am Friday 10th July 2009 in

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CRICKET stars from the women’s game carried the World Cup proudly through Worcester ahead of their Ashes clash with Australia.

The team, which also won the world Twenty20 tournament, arrived at Worcester Guildhall in the High Street after a parade through the streets of the city yesterday.

There they were welcomed by the Mayor of Worcester, Andy Roberts, who gave them a tour of the Guildhall.

The team begins its nPower Ashes Test Match at New Road today.

Charlotte Edwards, the team’s 29-year-old captain, was confident the team could beat Australia. She said: “The world cup is really special but the history and tradition that comes with the Ashes is very special to us. We are focussed on retaining them and we’re looking forward to four days of cricket down here in Worcester. Australia need to win the game to regain the Ashes. We know they’re going to come at us hard.”

Flora Martyr, aged 17, and sister Kate, aged 16, of Trout Beck Drive, Warndon, were helping promote the women’s and girls game dressed in their cricketing whites.

Both are members of the Old Elizabethans Cricket Club based in Perdiswell, Worcester. Fast bowler Kate said: “It’s really interesting. It’s good to see that women’s cricket is being recognised more. It’s good to be helping to promote them and women’s cricket as well.”

All-rounder Flora said: “I want to play for England some day like them. I’m doing quite a lot of training this summer.”

Leslie Davies and wife Barbara of Bath Road, Worcester, both members of Worcestershire County Cricket Club, were there to welcome them.

Mr Davies said: “We’re here because we’re so thrilled and proud of our women’s team and their win in the world cup.

“We shall be at New Road to watch them play.”

The cricket club has agreed to provide free entry to New Road throughout the test.

Sport Development Officer for Worcester City Council Liam Hughes said: “Women’s and girls’ cricket is growing rapidly and the team is taking time out as they prepare for a big match and will hopefully raise awareness of the sport and opportunities in and around the city for women and girls to get involved.”