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Head coach Nick Denning confident there will be no repeat from last years' Kia Super League
Head coach Nick Denning believes Southern Vipers have the right blend of players in place as they look to put last season’s disappointing Kia Super League campaign behind them.
The 2016 champions began by thrashing Surrey Stars by seven wickets, but it proved a false dawn and they finished bottom of the table.
Vipers have rebuilt the squad with five new players and a different captain in England international Tammy Beaumont and Denning, in charge for his fourth Super League campaign, is excited about what they can achieve.
They start with an away double header against Lancashire Thunder at Liverpool on Tuesday and Loughborough Lightning two days later.
“We’ve got a really strong squad this year,” he said. “There’s a good mix of domestic and international talent. We have three players from Warwickshire’s domestic T20 winning side, several individuals who have performed well for their counties and a lot of players in good form.
“And our England and international players also add some real star quality to the group.”
Vipers have had to make a late change to their squad after Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux dropped out with injury. Leg-spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington comes in as her replacement.
The 22-year-old has played 21 times for Australia and has plenty of T20 experience from her time with Adelaide Strikers.
Suzie Bates is back for her fourth KSL campaign with the Vipers, who have pulled off a real coup in recruiting number one-ranked West Indies all-rounder Stafanie Taylor.
“Her record speaks for itself,” added Denning. “She is the sort of player who can win a game on her own. I think we’ve got a strong group and I’m really looking forward to seeing how our domestic players progress.”
Marie Kelly, Thea Brookes and Issy Wong all impressed in Warwickshire’s domestic success earlier this season. Wong is a 17-year-old fast bowler with loads of potential whom former England captain Charlotte Edwards believes could be bowling at 80mph in the next couple of years.
Then there is Beaumont, one of the most dominant batsmen in the KSL in recent years and regarded as a future England captain.
“She is a natural leader,” added Denning. “And this is the perfect stage for her to show those qualities.”
After two away games Vipers start their home fixtures on Sunday when they play 2017 champions Western Storm at the The Ageas Bowl (2.30pm).
