2000 school children enjoy International cricket at Taunton
Nearly 2000 school children from over 50 schools enjoyed international cricket at the Cooper Associates County Ground today.
The students from across the region were invited to enjoy the Women’s ODI between England ‘A’ and India ‘A’ for free as part of our annual Schools Day initiative which is run in conjunction with Somerset Cricket Foundation.
In addition to the on-field action, Somerset Cricket Foundation ran a number of activities and activations for the children to enjoy throughout the day, and Somerset players JT Langridge, Liv Barnes and Erin Vukusic were on hand to sign autographs and pose for selfies.
Another highlight of the day was when all the children were allowed access to the outfield during the interval between innings.
There were even a number of appearances from Somerset CCC mascot, Stumpy!
Those present also witnessed an outstanding England performance as the home side won by 125 runs to level the series.
England Captain, Kira Chathli won the toss and elected to bat first.
Ella McCaughan and Jodi Grewcock shared an opening partnership of 81 before the former fell for 44 in the 20th over.
That brought Grace Scrivens to the crease and she continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over whilst Grewcock reached her half century from 81 balls.
The England third wicket pair achieved their 100 partnership from 98 deliveries and the stand was eventually worth 126 when Grewcock was dismissed just three runs short of her century.
Scrivens raised her 50 from 49 balls but two wickets fell in the 42nd over. Chathli was lbw to Vaishnavi Sharma for two and then Scrivens was run out for 59 at 213 for four.
Abi Norgrove was bowled for eight but Charis Pavely (30*) and Niamh Holland added 56 from just 28 balls to ensure that England ‘A’ finished on 298 for five from their 50 overs.
It’s been quite a week for Holland, who was added to the squad late yesterday and made an unbeaten 41 from only 19 deliveries on her home ground today.
Sophia Smale claimed two early wickets in India’s run chase as the tourists slipped to 47 for two in the 11th over.
Somerset spinner, Chloe Skelton then took two wickets in two overs to reduce India to 71 for four in the 18th.
Priya Punia was the only batter who offered any resistance but when she was caught and bowled by Smale for 87, the visitors were 137 for eight.
With Pratika Rawal unable to bat, India could only muster 173 as England claimed a comfortable victory with 7.3 overs to spare.
