Southern Vipers Star In England Test Match

Southern Vipers’, and now England’s, Lauren Bell starred as she made her international debut on Monday 27^th June during England’s one-off Test match against South Africa in Taunton.

Bell dismissed dangerous batter Lizelle Lee lbw for a duck, before former Viper Tammy Beaumont took a stunning diving catch off the bowling of Bell to remove experienced all-rounder Marizanne Kapp for 150.

Bell also had tidy figures of 0-26 off 14 overs in South Africa’s second innings as the match petered out into a draw after heavy rain on days three and four left minimal chance for a result, meaning England will have to wait at least another year for their first win on home soil since 2005.

However, Bell wasn’t the only Viper involved in the Test match, as current Vipers Georgia Elwiss, Anya Shrubsole, and Emily Windsor were behind the microphone, providing commentary for BBC’s Test Match Special, along with former Viper Academy player Melissa Story, whilst head coach Charlotte Edwards donned the blazer as a pundit for Sky’s TV coverage.

Kevan James, BBC Radio Solent’s lead cricket commentator, said: ‘’It’s fantastic to see Melissa and Emily – both of who made their broadcasting bows on BBC Radio Solent – covering the recent England Women’s Test for BBC’s Test Match Special. With Lauren playing and Melissa and Emily joined on coverage by Anya and Georgia, it really was a Southern Vipers takeover.’’

Windsor and Elwiss also covered England women’s matches for the BBC last year, including series where fellow Vipers Charlie Dean and Maia Bouchier made their international debuts, whilst Story has been a mainstay on BBC Solent’s coverage of Hampshire men’s and Southern Vipers matches for the past year.

Southern Vipers' first Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy match at The Ageas Bowl is on Saturday 23rd July against Sunrisers.

You can buy your tickets by following the link below.