MIDDLESEX WOMEN VS BERKSHIRE WOMEN - MATCH PREVIEW

In a Division Two Championship title-decider second-placed Middlesex host leaders Berkshire at Mill Hill School.

Middlesex will likely open with one day captain Naomi Dattani and Cordelia Griffith. The previous two 50 over matches saw Griffith come into fine form with her maiden century on Sunday against Somerset and a fifty on Monday. Without Sophia Dunkley who is on England A duty it will be interesting to see if vice Natasha Miles takes the number three spot. Miles has scored 146 runs at 36.50 with a high score of 44 against Durham in the Championship. The experienced duo of Beth Morgan and Olivia Rae are also likely to play key roles as Middlesex look to secure claim the title. The pair will provide stability in the middle order and will also be important in the field. Though the London Cup was tough for the batters, in a rain-reduced affair, they should take confidence from securing a win under pressure at Lord’s.

With the ball, openers Katie Wolfe and Gayatri Gole will be looking to continue their successful seasons. Wolfe has claimed nine wickets at 17.22, including a hat-trick against Somerset to secure the win, while Gole has claimed six scalps at 17.50. Young quick Sonali Patel will be looking to add to her haul in her first year as a member of the senior squad. To date she has claimed six wickets at 13.00. In the spin department off-spinning duo Emma Albery and Bhavika Gajipra will look to bowl economically, tying the batters up to force a false shot, which often results in a wicket. Leg-spinner Emily Thorpe returned to the side against Devon claiming 2-17 and will look to add to her haul if given the ball.

Although Berkshire will be without England skipper Heather Knight and vice Anya Shrubsole, several players have played key roles this season. With the bat, Alice MacLeod will be a crucial wicket as she is in good form having hit 207 runs at 51.75 with a top score of 95 this year. Berkshire opening quick and Middlesex T20 player Lauren Bell is a bowler the hosts will need to negotiate carefully. Bell has claimed 11 wickets at 13.36 and showcased her craft at Lord's.

Head down to Mill Hill School on Sunday for a match which looks set to be a thrilling, title-decider. Entry is free and play starts at 11am.

Contributed by Georgia Isaac, Middlesex Women’s Media Assistant

Middlesex Squad

Naomi Dattani (C)

Emma Albery

Bhavika Gajipra

Gayatri Gole

Cordelia Griffith

Iqraa Hussain (WK)

Natasha Miles

Beth Morgan

Sonali Patel

Olivia Rae

Emily Thorpe

Katie Wolfe