Match Preview: Surrey Stars v Southern Vipers - Kia Super League

The Southern Vipers will begin their 2018 Kia Super League campaign this Sunday as they head to Guildford to take on Surrey Stars in the competition curtain-raiser.

Southern Vipers Squad:

The Vipers have named a 15-player squad for the season opener with Suzie Bates leading the side for the first time, following Charlotte Edwards’ retirement last season.

Bates is joined by new overseas addition and fellow New Zealand all-rounder, Amelia Kerr, whilst South African international Mignon Du Preez returns to the south coast after representing the Vipers last season.

The squad also feature England’s Danni Wyatt, Tash Farrant and Katie George who all return again this season, whilst new addition Tammy Beaumont is set to make her Vipers debut this weekend.

The Opposition:

Surrey Stars enjoyed a positive 2017 Kia Super League, after finishing second in the group-stages – behind only the Southern Vipers – before bowing out in the semi-final against eventual winners, Western Storm.

Nat Sciver’s side welcome England wicket-keeper Sarah Taylor to their squad this year and she’s likely to be a threat with both the bat and the gloves this season, alongside fellow England teammates Lauran Marsh and Bryony Smith.

South African all-rounders Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk are also included in Sunday’s squad.

Did You Know?

• Suzie Bates finished second in the list of run-getters and sixth in the list of wicket-takers in last year’s Kia Super League
• New addition Amelia Kerr holds the record for the highest score in the history of Women’s ODI cricket, striking 232* against Ireland earlier this year aged just 17

Full Southern Vipers Squad:

Coverage:

Live text commentary will be available via the Southern Vipers’ Twitter page. A feed to these will also be available on this page.

Weather Forecast:

Please follow the link for the latest weather forecast for Guildford: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast/gcpe7p302