Tara Norris: ‘’Our Goal Is To Make The 2022 World Cup In New Zealand’’

Southern Vipers all-rounder Tara Norris has recently begun her international cricketing journey, having been selected to represent the USA in the ICC T20 World Cup America Qualifiers in Mexico City.

Norris qualifies to represent the US having been born in Philadelphia.

‘I got this opportunity because (USA) Head Coach Julia Price got in contact with Lottie (Charlotte Edwards) as on my Southern Brave bio it said I was born in Philadelphia - we had a phone call before I knew it was I going to the US Embassy to renew my passport.’

The ICC T20 World Cup America Qualifiers competition was made up of four teams, the USA, Brazil, Canada and Argentina, with each team playing six matches and the winner advancing to the global qualifiers due to take place next year.

‘It was incredible, to get my international cap and be with the girls was a massive privilege and it was very special, I had no idea that Mexico had a cricket ground!’

The 23-year-old featured in five out of the USA’s six games, as her side finished top of the group, being successful in five matches.

Norris - who took 24 wickets for the Vipers in 2021 - contributed four wickets in five matches, at an average of 7.7 with a staggering economy rate of just 1.7.

‘I found bowling quite frustrating, I didn’t take many wickets but I was just trying to bowl as full as possible. It was a good opportunity for me to practice some variations and being really clinical.’

Next up for Norris and the USA is the 50 over World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe which begin on the 21^st November.

‘Our goal is to finish top three and make it to the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand, it would just be incredible but we are up against big teams.’

The USA’s group includes Bangladesh, Thailand, Pakistan and  hosts Zimbabwe.

‘As a group I think we work really well and I’m optimistic that we can do well but I think we are going to be challenged but to go to the World Cup would be insane.’

Although featuring for an international side, playing for the USA does not actually affect Tara’s eligibility s to play for England in the future.

‘It doesn’t affect my eligibility because the US is not a Test nation, I saw this as a good opportunity to be away for the winter and play more cricket but the cricket has been fantastic and I love being around the group so I have no idea where this journey will take me’