Nottinghamshire Women player Sophie Williamson has been chosen in the 21 and under England squad to take part in the WICF Indoor Cricket World Cup in Dubai.
The 18-year-old, from Bestwood Village, flies out today ahead of the week-long tournament, which starts on Saturday (September 16).
England will take on the likes of New Zealand, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, hosts UAE and reigning champions Australia.
She is joined in the squad by further Nottinghamshire representation from Beth Unwin, Rosie Penford, Hollie Stannard, Natasha Allen, Jessica Craddock and Ellie Bradbury.
Sophie, who is serving an apprenticeship at Trent Bridge alongside a college coaching course, can’t wait to get started.
“It will be the furthest I have ever been away from home – I’ve never been further than on holiday in Tenerife – so it’s very exciting!” said Sophie.
“I’m rooming with Sara Dimmock, from the University of Nottingham, who I already know, so it’s great to have a familiar face, but most of the players are from the London area, so I’m looking forward to getting to know them.”
Sophie started playing cricket when Notts visited her primary school, Hawthorne Primary School, Bestwood.
She was then spotted by the county and has played for the Club at under-13, under-15 and under-17 level.
Sophie currently plays indoors for Basford Women and for a Nottinghamshire team in the National League – from where she was selected for England – as well as Notts and Arnold Amateurs during the outdoor season.
“To represent my country and play sport against other nations is a great honour.”
She said: “This is definitely my biggest achievement in cricket so far and I would love to go on and play for the outdoor England Women’s team.
“One of the biggest challenges could be the heat as it can get very hot out there – it will certainly be warmer than it is here anyway!”
Sophie’s all-round ability - with bat, ball and in the field – is particularly useful in indoor cricket where versatility is key in a fast-paced game.
Matches are played over 16 six-ball overs per side, with each player on the eight-a-side team bowling two overs and each batting pair facing four overs.
“You are looking to score at least a run off every ball and you can score fives and sixes as well if you hit the ball into the right nets,” said Sophie.
“To represent my country and play sport against other nations is a great honour.”
Sophie has been able to make the trip to Dubai thanks to support from Mad Dog Sports Suppliers and the Nottinghamshire Cricket Board.
If you’re inspired to play women or girls’ cricket, you can find out more by clicking here or call Graham Redfern, Inclusion & Diversity Officer, on 0115 9283000 ext 378.
You can view live streaming of the tournament when it gets underway at worldindoorcricketfederation.com