Lightning’s Lucy Higham has admitted her side is full of confidence having secured their first win of the Charlotte Edwards Cup season against Thunder in their last match, as they prepare to host top of the table Southern Vipers at Trent Bridge.
The Nottinghamshire captain conceded just 21 across four overs as Thunder amassed 152 from their allotted set before the hosts chased the target with five wickets to spare at Grace Road.
And Higham’s personal performance, as well as the team’s result, represents reward for hard yards put in over the preceding weeks.
“We had a really good pre-season, and it was disappointing the way we went in those first two games but it remained a really positive environment to be a part of - the mood was really good, it was quite a dominant performance and hopefully a bit of a momentum shifter,” the 24-year-old said.
“Prior to the Thunder game, we had good plans, but we went out and didn’t execute in the way we wanted to. The positive experience we had in pre-season kind of gave us the belief that we could turn that around, and the way we went about that performance was clinical.
“I felt like I was under quite a lot of pressure with performances in previous games but Jon Bateson (Assistant Coach) gave me the backing to bowl a couple of overs in the powerplay; I was clear on the plans so it was a case of executing. To get over the line gives you that extra bit of confidence and I was really happy to bowl the way I did.”
Higham’s off-spin returned seven wickets at 9.57 for the Green and Golds in 2022, showcasing her ability as a senior player.
But she believes she is always learning her craft, and the opportunity to lean on international cricketers in a regional setting provides her with the chance to develop further.
“Cricket is a game of luck, sometimes you come out with better figures than you deserve and you need to take it and run,” she laughed.
“Women’s T20 cricket is really changing, you have to accept that sometimes you will go around the park. That happens when you are playing against professional cricketers and quality opposition.
“For me, it’s important to go through the footage, and Tammy Beaumont and Piepa Clearly have spoken a lot about analysing yourself. They are a calming influence with a lot of knowledge around the game which helps no end.”
And, as an Outlaw for six years, and Trent Rocket in 2021, Higham is excited about the possibility of stepping out onto the Trent Bridge turf once again.
That comes despite the prospect of facing the Vipers who have currently won three out of three in the Charlotte Edwards Cup.
“As female cricketers, we want to be playing at the best stadiums in the world, and Trent Bridge is one of those,” she said.
“I was lucky to play there a lot for Rockets last year, and as a Notts player it is my home ground. There is an extra sense of importance when I play out there and I feel extremely privileged to do it again.
“Vipers have got a fantastic team, they have some high quality individuals and they are playing good cricket at the moment, but it comes down to who is the best team on the day. A couple of individuals can contribute performances to win that game for us."
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