Durham’s girls in bid for Gulf Cup success
AN elite group of female cricketers from the north of England will represent Durham Cricket at the 2020 Gulf Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
The 14-strong squad of players from Durham, Northumberland and Cumbria will embark on the two-week trip as they look to replicate the success of Durham Cricket’s boys’ squad in January 2019, when they won the competition.
This is the first time an elite group of female cricketers from the region will take part in the international competition, which will be held in
Dubai and Ajman in early January. The prestigious international competition will enable the girls to upgrade their skill set and development ahead of the 2020 English season and will provide vital pre-season training.
Coach Danielle Hazell said: “This is a unique opportunity for the girls to play an international tournament and travel to face opposition they don’t know and in conditions which they have not played in before.
“The trip will be a learning curve for them as a team and individuals - they will spend two weeks together getting to know a different culture.
“These valuable experiences will bring the team together on and off the field.
“The girls will be challenged by quality spin and will use this as a good way to prepare for the season.
“We have handpicked these girls as they have an incredible potential as cricketers.
“We are very excited to be taking them to the Gulf Cup.”
The girls will be taking part in a 13-mile walk from South Northumberland Cricket Club to Durham’s Emirates Riverside on Saturday, December 14 - one of the many fundraising events they are undertaking to raise cash for their trip.
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