It’s been quite the six months for Nottinghamshire’s Kirstie Gordon.
From dominating on the domestic scene for her county and the Loughborough Lightning, to becoming a key cog in England’s run to the final of the ICC World T20, it has been full of career milestones.
Now back from the Caribbean and settling back into the final year of her Sports Science and Management degree at Loughborough University, you would forgive her for affording herself something of a winter break.
However, the 21-year-old already has her sights firmly set on another productive summer; one that could include a potential appearance at her home ground, Trent Bridge.
The release of the domestic fixture schedule for 2019 brought with it the announcement that Kia Super League outfit, the Loughborough Lightning, would be facing Lancashire Thunder at Trent Bridge.
The historic match is to take place on Saturday 25 August, kicking-off a double-header that will also include Notts Outlaws’ T20 Vitality Blast match against the Yorkshire Vikings.
“Nothing has been confirmed yet for me, but hopefully I’ll be back with the Lightning next summer,” said Gordon.
“It would be really special to play at my home county ground.
“It’s so exciting to have a T20 double header at Trent Bridge, where there are always big crowds. Hopefully they will turn out for the women’s game as well.”
Gordon topped the Lightning’s wicket taking charts in 2018, with 17 scalps at 12.47. Without the Kia Super League, Gordon says, her England adventure would have been over before it began.
“I may have never played for England without the Kia Super League,” she said.
“It’s a great platform for players to show off their talents and get selected for England.
“Knowing you have bowled at some of the best players in the world already gives you great confidence to do it on the international stage.
“They are the same player, whether they are wearing an Australia shirt or that of the Southern Vipers.
“In the England squad for the World T20 there was myself, Sophia Dunkley and Linsey Smith who were all uncapped and called-up on the back of our Super League performances.”
*******
Be there for every ball next year, including seven T20 Vitality Blast games, by joining our family as a Member. You'll also save up to £20 off England v Pakistan Royal London ODI tickets and have access to the exclusive Members' Pavilion. Learn more...
*******
Alternatively, priced at just £100 for adults, £70 for seniors and £227 for a family of four, you can pledge your support by purchasing an Outlaws Season Ticket.
The season ticket will cover all scheduled home cricket in the T20 Vitality Blast and Royal London One-Day Cup, plus a priority purchase window for any knockout stage cricket at Trent Bridge.