The Women’s npower Ashes Test Match begins this Friday 10 July at New Road with England and Australia playing a four day test determined to claim one of cricket’s most coveted prizes.
The England Women won the Ashes at New Road in 2005 and retained them with a win in Bowral in 2008.
England Captain, Charlotte Edwards, recently awarded an MBE, is upbeat on their chances of retaining the Ashes as she has at her disposal the same squad that clinched the ICC World Cup in Australia in March, the ICC World T20 at Lord's in June and the ODI series on Tuesday.
Captain Charlotte Edwards said: "We are really looking forward to the npower Ashes Test. If it is anything like the 2008 Ashes in Bowral we are in for a great four days of cricket."
Head of England Women's Cricket Clare Connor added: "We are thrilled to be back in Worcester for our defence of the npower Ashes. The memories of regaining the Ashes at Worcester in 2005, after a forty two year wait, are still very powerful for many of the players who played in that dramatic series. I am sure the players will be buoyed by those memories as they return to New Road on Friday.
Kevin Peake, director of marketing at npower, commented: "This is golden era for the Women's game in this country. England have proven themselves as the best team in the world but the Australian's will be out for revenge, which is why this npower Test will be so compelling. We're delighted to be series sponsor for the ninth year running"
After winning the ICC Women's World Cup in Australia in March, then the ICC World Twenty20 just a few weeks ago and now their 4-0 win in the one day international series against Australia, this England team are riding the crest of a wave. They will be eager to show what they are made of in the longer format and I am equally sure that Australia will be doing all they can to finish their tour of England on a high note. The scene is set for a fantastic contest."
The Worcestershire Cricket Board is promoting the activities of the Worcestershire Women's Cricket Development Group. The Board endeavours to stimulate grassroots interest in girls' cricket across the counties of Hereford and Worcestershire with various school and club activities occurring onsite throughout the duration of the match.
The England Women’s team will parade through Worcester today starting at 3.30pm at Crowngate shopping centre. The team will carry their two World Cups. The parade will culminate at the Guildhall for photos with the Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Andy Roberts at 4.00pm. Children and adults alike are invited to join in with the parade and meet the players for photos and autographs.
A guard of honour will be formed by various groups at the start of each day of play. Other activities will occur throughout the match including on the first day a cricket tournament taking place on the neighbouring Kings School playing fields with the final of this competition being staged on the outfield during the lunch interval. ECB's Cricket factory will be onsite on the Sunday 12th and Monday 13th July for children to test and develop their cricket skills.
Entry to the npower Ashes Test Matches is free.
