As Trent Rockets gear up for an historic game against the Northern Superchargers on Saturday, captain Natalie Sciver is hoping the tournament will help recreate the kind of memories made four years ago when England lifted the World Cup. 

“I still get goosebumps watching all the videos and allowing myself to go back there, it is a memory that will stick with me forever,” Sciver said. 

“This tournament will be a great way to celebrate that achievement, and I hope there will be some atmospheres which will replicate those World Cup games. 

“I’m sure the crowd at the Oval would have said it was close to that, so I am looking forward to getting a crowd in here who are willing to participate in the game, and back the home team.”

The all-rounder has had to juggle the introduction of the new format with the challenge of creating cohesion within the ranks, with her side meeting for their first training session together on Tuesday. 

However, Sciver says she has made it a priority to create a sense of unity, and it is that which will help the Rockets to be successful this year. 

“Captaincy wise, there are a few things that are a bit different, but largely it’s the same,” she said.

“Hopefully we can get around the field quick enough so that we don’t have one fielder fewer inside the ring towards the end of the overs, that’s my main concern!

“There are a lot of girls who I have played against and know from the Rachel Haydoe-Flint trophy, but I haven’t played with them, so it has been a bit of a learning curve, and it can be difficult to create relationships that aren’t just on a surface level.

“That is something we are focusing on between us to make sure that, when we are coming off the pitch at the end of the tournament, we can look each other in the eye and know we have given everything for each other."

She is also acutely aware of the firepower she has at her disposal, with a bundle of experience and plethora of new, exciting players.

“Katherine Bryce is the opening bowler for Scotland and Lightning. She is very experienced at the top of the order and taking wickets is something that comes naturally to her,” Sciver said, “She will be a great asset to us.

“Our overseas players, Heather Graham, Rachel Priest and Sammy-Jo Johnson, don’t lack experience in shorter form cricket and they know how to play tournaments and have been on winning sides. We’re are all coming together well as a team.”

The Rockets’ game will be just the fifth of the tournament, following a showcase opening women’s game between Oval Invincibles and Manchester Originals.

The event was watched by over 8,000 people at Kia Oval, a feature Sciver hopes can be recreated.

“That first game looked brilliant,” she said.

“I’m quite jealous that I wasn’t part of that game, but it was great to watch, and what a way to start the tournament.

“We don’t get that many opportunities to play in front of crowds like that, and having that energy from the crowd is brilliant, we know that from playing in the World Cup final.

“I hope we can recreate it at Trent Bridge.”