Caitlin looking forward to T20 World Cup
It’s the start of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at Edgbaston today with the Opening Ceremony and England taking on Sri Lanka.
With excitement building for the month-long tournament, we’ve been speaking to players who have come through the Shropshire pathway and have gone on to make their mark in the women’s game.
First up is opening bowler Caitlin Belcher who played for the Shropshire Age Group teams and also the Shropshire Women’s XI and is now part of the Gloucestershire Women’s squad.
She is looking forward to the tournament and believes it can provide a big boost for the Women and Girls’ game across the country.
Are you looking forward to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup – and are you planning to attend any games (where, when)?
I’m super excited for a home women’s World Cup! It will hopefully be huge for the growth of the women’s game. I will be attending the opening game at Edgbaston today.
What’s your cricket background and connection to Shropshire (pathway etc)?
I got into cricket through Chance to Shine at primary school and haven’t looked back since! I was scouted aged 10 for county and played for Shropshire for over 10 years, all the way through to the women’s XI.
What are your favourite memories of playing in/for Shropshire?
One of my most favourite memories playing for Shropshire was our two-day trip up to Cumbria and Northumberland to play their U15 girls side. A players vs parent game in the evening was why I stopped being a wicket keeper and am now an opening bowler!
Where are you playing now?
I currently play cricket for Gloucestershire Women in the tier 2 set up.
How have you seen the Women & Girls game grow in recent years?
The growth of the women and girl’s game has been huge. For women to be able to be full time professionals without playing international cricket is phenomenal.
What impact can you see the World Cup having on the game in Shropshire and beyond?
I hope the World Cup inspires young girls and boys to take up cricket in Shropshire.
Which players are you looking forward to seeing and why?
I’m most looking forward to seeing Lauren Bell as she’s been consistently taking wickets for England with the new ball. I think she will cause some problems for other team’s batters!
Who do you think will make the semi-finals?
I think England, New Zealand, India and Australia will be the four teams in the semi-finals.
Thanks to Caitlin for her time and good luck to her at Gloucestershire. Look out for more from our former and current Shropshire players during the tournament.