MIDDLESEX WOMEN NAME SQUAD FOR SOMERSET MATCH

Middlesex name a squad of 12 for their away match against Somerset at Taunton School as they look to secure their second win of the Royal London Cup.

The London side will again look to build an innings with formidable partnerships. The openers Naomi Dattani and Natasha Miles are in form and will hope to continue where they left off against Kent. Last Sunday it was Miles who led with the bat – top scoring with 42 while Dattani contributed 16 to share a 60-run stand.

England’s Fran Wilson is set to come to the crease at three and will be hoping to add to last week’s 37 ahead of the international summer. Sweepshots and strong running between the wickets can be expected of the former Somerset player.

Sophia Dunkley (21), Beth Morgan (34) and Maia Bouchier (38*) also batted well against Kent, showing how important strong partnerships are where the strike is frequently rotated.

Middlesex’s attack will be led by quicks Gayatri Goleand Katie Wolfe who applied pressure early on against Kent. The pair will be hoping to reduce the extras to dot the batters up further, forcing them to take risks resulting in wickets.

In the spin department Middlesex will look to the economical leg-spin duo of Dunkley and Emily Thorpewho claimed 4-23 and 1-26 respectively against Kent.

Somerset will hope Anya Shrubsole can replicate her excellent spell of bowling (5-15) from last weekend against Hampshire, and with a strong Middlesex batting line-up the hosts will likely need her to claim early wickets.

Somerset’s skipper and Western Storm batter Sophie Luff will be the key wicket for Middlesex. Despite a poor opening weekend, Luff found form against a strong Hampshire side and was the only Somerset player to reach double-figures – unbeaten on 26. Last season Luff accumulated an impressive 657 at 65.70 which shows the calibre of batter she is.

Middlesex squad

Naomi Dattani (c)

Emma Albery

Maia Bouchier

Sophia Dunkley

Gayatri Gole

Iqraa Hussain (+)

Natasha Miles

Beth Morgan

Emily Thorpe

Rebecca Tyson

Fran Wilson

Katie Wolfe