First of all, tell us a bit about your background.

I’ve lived in East Garston all my life and don’t really remember a time when I wasn’t playing cricket. My whole family love it and we all still play now. We all started our cricketing journeys at Hungerford cricket club – it’s always felt like a very local and communal place.

There are currently a bewildering number of different teams, franchises and versions of cricket. Give us a quick summary of who you’re playing for in the various formats.

I’m signed at Hampshire Cricket, based in Southampton at the Utility Bowl (though you may still know it as the Ageas Bowl or the Rose Bowl). We play in the Vitality blast T20 competition and the Metro Bank 50-over Cup, the tier-one competition in the new three-tiered system.

In addition, I’m sure many people are aware of the Hundred competition, an even shorter format, that’s played in August between eight franchises – this is definitely something I’m hoping to become a part of in the near future.

If you had to pick one, which would be your favourite format of the game?

My favourite of the ones I currently play would probably be T20. I love its speed and intensity. You have to think on your feet and be inventive.

When did you first realise that cricket was something you wanted to play and that you were good at it (and how old were you)?

As I mentioned, my family loves cricket so it was something I fell into, joining in with older brothers. I played many other sports when growing up and they all were taking up more and more time. Eventually  I needed to choose between hockey and cricket. Cricket seemed the obvious choice as it had more potential. I feel I’ve thrived in the sport. Though I’ve had some setbacks it was something I really wanted to keep pursuing. I’m so glad I did…

When did you first realise that you could make a career out of it?

Since I was young I’ve always wanted to be a professional athlete, though it’s only recently that I’ve started to realise what that involves. Another local cricketer, Lauren Bell, made me realise it was something I could make a career out of. That’s only been possible fairly recently. Though there is still a long way to go regarding this the improvements are significant and hopefully it can keep going in that direction.

I think you’d describe yourself as an all-rounder. Would you’ say you’re more of a batting or a bowling all-rounder?

Definitely a bowling all-rounder (even that might be a bit of a push…).  The step change into the professional game is quite big and my batting isn’t quite there yet, though I’m working on it. I’m very hopeful for the coming season to try and take on that bowling all-rounder role. It’s a very big focus for me this winter and something that could provide more opportunities for game time.

You and your contemporaries are now becoming role models for the next generation of female cricketers. There must have been many fewer female role models when you first started playing. Who were the main ones?

There were plenty of role models then – they just didn’t have the platform to be seen by people who weren’t in the sport. One of my main role models growing up was Charlotte Edward’s, whom I was lucky enough to be coached by at Hampshire before she became England Coach. She captained the country to many successes and was one of the first England cricketers I met. Another was Kathryn Sciver-Brunt – I love the aggression she played with as I felt like I played in a similar way.

Who were the main people who supported and encouraged you during the early days of your career?

All my family have always been big supporters. The amount of taxiing that my mum and dad happily did for me was amazing. If I hadn’t got into a team or not been selected for something, they always told me to keep going. They really helped me to believe in myself. Even if it took longer than I wanted, they made it clear they’d be there to support me.

The prize money at the recent Women’s World Cup was greater than it was for the last men’s event: a huge step forward. Woman’s football and rugby have also massively increased in popularity in the last decade or so. What do you think this is?

It’s hard to put this down to one specific thing. Having more professional investment in the women’s game has helped immensely. Previously, many professional women’s athletes had to have jobs alongside their sport,  which meant less time focused on training and living a full professional athlete lifestyle. There’s also a lot more coverage in the media now – once people can actually see the games, interest will follow. There’s still a long way to go for professional women’s sport but these are just two of many things that are helping it move in the right direction.

Do you feel there’s still more to be done to encourage equality of opportunity, facilities and reward in women’s cricket?

Definitely. The two things I mentioned just now are important. However, this is happening at different speeds in different countries. On top of this, there’s still a lag behind men’s cricket of games that are broadcasted which means less exposure and less money being pumped into the game. It’s also still a battle to get similar levels of facilities for games and training as men’s teams often still take priority. Improving these things will help the standards, and hopefully the following of women’s cricket, so that the money and investment can improve it still further.

If there was one thing you could change about the laws of cricket, what would it be?

If you get a first-ball duck you get another go (but only if you’re on my team…).

Imagine for a moment, if you can, that I’m Lauren Laverne and this is Desert Island Discs. What would be your one must-have piece of music (title and artist)?

L’Amour de ma Vie by Billie Eilish.

And your book (title and author)?

Moonrise by Sarah Crossan.

And – not something she offers – your film or TV series (supply year or main actor if there’s more than one of this name)?

Clarkson’s Farm. 

And your luxury item (devices to play the music and films/TV series are provided. However, you can’t pick something to use to escape – sorry, rules is rules…)?

A giant puzzle book with things like sudoku, word searches and murder mysteries to keep me entertained while I wait to be rescued.

See also:

Interview with flat jockey Hollie Doyle.