Surrey Stars title hopes ended – but Nat Sciver confident the Hundred can be a major success story
Surrey Stars tilt at a second successive Kia Super League title ran out of steam, a 77-run defeat to eventual champions Western Storm at Guildford last week ending their hopes of qualifying for finals day.
With the Hundred set to replace the KSL from next year, Surrey and England all-rounder Nat Sciver believes the new competition has the potential to take women’s cricket to the next level.
“The KSL has fulfilled a few dreams and was something that was definitely needed,” said Sciver, pictured right.
“You play at world-class venues in front of crowds and on live TV. If younger players and England players of the future are to develop that is the sort of pressure they need to play under.
“It has created some momentum – I’m hopeful that it will continue next year in The Hundred. The excitement of the new tournament overrides any disappointment that the KSL is finishing.
“There’s no reason why what was created during the Super League can’t be repeated. It should be even better supported by the crowds and organisation-wise.”
The Stars did, however, end their 2019 campaign on something of a high, with a 35-run victory over Lancashire Thunder at Blackpool.
South African opener Lizelle Lee offered a taste of what might be on offer in the women’s version of The Hundred by smashing a 17-ball half-century – the fastest ever in the women’s game – en route to making 75.
Sciver said afterwards: “I think that was worth waiting for! It’s a little bit bittersweet because that’s what we’re capable of, and we don’t get to do it again – we don’t get to go to Finals Day.
“But I am happy for everyone that we managed to finish it off in style. Every shot Lizelle tried came off. It was a bit scary.
“You’re glad she’s on your team. She played like that at Finals Day last year, and she’s a special overseas player.”
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
