When Trent Bridge was announced as the host of the Women’s Ashes Test, there was one Australian who had particular cause for excitement.
Alana King endeared herself to the masses at Trent Bridge in 2022, with her leg-breaks a key factor in Trent Rockets’ third-place finish in The Hundred.
Having sampled everything Trent Bridge, and indeed the city of Nottingham, has to offer, King couldn’t be happier that the historic encounter will take place at her home away from home, even if she’s likely to have a little less support this time around.
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“The crowd at Trent Bridge is unbelievable,” the 26-year-old said, “It feels like everyone is so close to the action.
“I’ll be biased and put my Trent Rockets hat on, but I know we had the best crowd in the competition and hopefully a few more will come out next summer.
“I might not have as many supporters this time but hopefully a few Rockets shirts will be worn in the crowd and maybe I’ll get a little bit of love.”
King – whose Test debut came at Canberra in January – is equally excited for the opportunity to compete in a five-day Test with her, and her compatriots’, previous international red-ball fixtures spanning four days.
“A five-day Test, at Trent Bridge, it’s what we’ve been crying out for,” she admitted, “So we’re all pleased it’s come through.
“I know both teams will be absolutely pumped for it.”
With short boundaries and a blistering batting track, Nottinghamshire’s historic home has often been seen as one of the toughest places to bowl spin.
But King’s cricketing role model Shane Warne belied that reputation, claiming six wickets on his Trent Bridge debut in 1993, a further seven in 1997, and eight apiece in 2001 and 2005.
As a fellow Victorian, King is hoping her schooling Down Under will provide ample preparation for the Test in the East Midlands.
“I’ve moved over to play my cricket in Western Australia where pitches are hard and bounce, and some would say it’s a spinners’ graveyard,” she said.
“But I’ve absolutely loved every minute of it and the challenge that it has provided me.
“I think it has helped me, and bowling over five days at Trent Bridge will be about adapting to the conditions as quickly as possible.
“Hopefully over the course of the game you’ll see some wear and tear and spin can play a big part, as it did in The Hundred.”
Trent Bridge will be one of nine venues across the country to play host to Australia's two touring parties next summer, as the men's and women's sides compete against their counterparts.
“What’s better than one Ashes? Two,” said King.
“I think there’ll be Ashes fever flowing through the UK next year.
“What’s better than one Ashes? Two.”
Alana King
“With the Women’s match slotting in between the Men’s, all the Test cricket lovers won’t have a shortage of action to choose from.
“I think it’s great for the game and to have the two sets of arch rivals going head-to-head in the same country at the same time.
“It’s going to be an amazing atmosphere and an awesome experience to be a part of.”
And, away from the cricket, will King be the designated tour guide for the Southern Stars?
“I’ll be asked for coffee recommendations that’s for sure,” joked King.
“That’s the number one tip for an Aussie group on tour and I’ll try and steer them in the right direction.”
“But on a serious note, I loved my time there; it’s a great city and I’m really excited for this fixture.”
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