“It’s been a great experience” – Chloe enjoying her time Downunder
Somerset’s Chloe Skelton is spending the winter in Australia playing with Parramatta.
We spoke to her earlier this week to find out how she’s settling in.
“It’s been really good,” she said. “It’s been a great experience so far. I’ve enjoyed the training, the culture and playing out here.
“Being a pro out here in an Ashes winter brings its own pressures and as you can imagine I’ve copped a fair bit of stick. It’s been good though and it’s great to have a bit of banter with teammates and opposition alike.
“A trip like this is about taking every opportunity that you can and hopefully I’ll come back better than I was when I left so I can hit the ground running at the start of the season.
“The time I’m spending out here will help me get used to different conditions and different pitches with the ball whilst also trying to develop my game with the bat. It’s given me a really good insight into a few things, and it’s been nice to have plenty of sunshine too! The people are great and the family I’m staying with are brilliant.”
Chloe helped Parramatta get to the semi-finals of the T20 competition. Is she happy with her form?
“I’m pleased with how things have gone so far and hopefully I can continue that into the New Year and the next block of 50-over games. It was great to reach the semis in the T20s, and we feel like we can hit the next block of 50s strongly and pick up some more wins.”
Chloe isn’t the first Somerset player to line up for Parramatta. Sophie Luff has spent time at the club in the past. How big an influence was Sophie when it came to Chloe making the trip?
“She’s been instrumental in helping with this process and helping me get an insight into what Parramatta is all about. That made me really comfortable when it came to knowing what to expect.”
What’s it like playing in Australia?
“Obviously, there are a few differences out here. There’s the pitches and there’s also the weather. You need a few extra Powerades and to chug down the water a bit more. It’s certainly opened my eyes to the hydration side of things and making sure that you recover well.”
Somerset will begin the year with a new Head Coach, following the appointment of Erin Osborne. Is Chloe looking forward to working with the new person at the helm?
“It’s going to be exciting,” Chloe said. “She’s a fresh pair of eyes who will bring new ideas and it will be exciting to see what that brings to the group. I’ve spoken to Erin and our chat went brilliantly. She put me at ease with what she’s looking to bring. She’s got good energy and she assures me that there will be a good level of banter too!”
What does 2026 have in store for Chloe?
“I want to be going into the season refreshed and with new ideas. We need to show the brand of cricket that we want to play and continue to inspire the next generation. We want to be getting bums on seats when we play, and I think it’s going to be an exciting year for us.
“We’ve set a foundation by starting well last year and nearly making Finals Day in the Metro Bank One Day Cup. With the aspirations that I know the girls have got, we can push for silverware this summer.”
Don’t forget that you can see Chloe and the team in action this summer by purchasing Women’s Membership.
2026 Somerset Women Membership is now on sale!
As a thank you for your incredible support of Somerset Women this summer, we’ve taken the decision to FREEZE PRICES of this already incredible value package!
Existing Somerset Women Members can purchase 2026 Somerset Women Membership again for just £25!!*
More than 1000 supporters purchased 2025 Somerset Women Membership to see the likes of Heather Knight, Charlie Dean and Sophie Luff take to the field for their County.
2026 promises to be another exciting year for the women’s game and Somerset will once again be at the forefront.
*Access to buy via online account.
ACCESS TO INTERNATIONAL CRICKET!
In addition to all Somerset Women stand-alone fixtures, 2026 Somerset Women Members will receive a ticket for the England v India WIT20 at the Cooper Associates County Ground on Tuesday June 2nd.
What do I get?
2026 Somerset Women Membership includes:
- One Cat C ticket to watch England vs India IT20 at the Cooper Associates County Ground in June
- Entry to all home group stage matches in the Women’s Metro Bank One Day Cup
- Entry to all stand-alone home matches in the Women’s Vitality Blast
In addition to seeing Somerset Women in action, you will also receive:
- Selected other Women’s fixtures at the Cooper Associates County Ground
- 10% matchday discount on SCCC owned food and drink concessions
- 4 x Metro Bank One Day Cup women’s competition 50 over guest passes
- 4 x Vitality Blast women’s competition stand-alone guest passes
- 25% off Vitality Blast Double Header tickets (1 per Member per match)
- Opportunity to upgrade to a premium facility
How much does it cost?
Existing Somerset Women Members can purchase 2026 Somerset Women Membership again for just £25! If you are not a Women’s Member this year and want to join, the package will also be available at just £25 when you take out a 2026 Men’s Membership when that goes on sale soon.
You can access this discount via the “Advantages” section of your online account.
Alternatively, Somerset Women Membership costs just £45 for adults, £25 for students and £15 for juniors.
You also can upgrade to Premium for £75 and gain access to our Long Room or 1875 Club facilities during Somerset Women standalone matches!
