Marlow gets big chance with the bat

EMMA Marlow is learning from the very best about opening the batting for the Northern Diamonds.

Marlow has been handed an opportunity to face the new ball by coach Dani Hazell in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, with regular opener Sterre Kalis away on international duty with the Netherlands.

The 20-year-old batted at the top of the order in Saturday’s defeat against the Southern Vipers at the Utilita Bowl, scoring nine, and will hope to better that in the next two games at least whilst

Kalis is away at the ICC T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers in Abu Dhabi.

The first of those chances comes against the Blaze at Scarborough on Wednesday (10.30am), where Marlow will once again stride out to the crease with Lauren Winfield-hill.

“Loz is the best domestic player at the moment I would say, and over the last few years,” said Marlow of the Yorkshire legend.

“To be able to go out with her and learn from the opportunity she’s done it for 10 or 15 years now. Whatever I’m doing at my end, I know that is something I can look at and be like. That is somewhere I want to get to.

“It’s a cool opportunity. Sterre is away with the Netherlands for a bit, and batting was my main focus this winter. So to get the opportunity to open with Loz is really cool.”

Former England Under 19

Marlow batted up the order regularly during the second half of last season, getting a number of starts from three or four. She scored between 20 and 25 in four of her last five 50-over innings last season and will look to kick on.

Beckwithshaw’s Marlow has had some recent challenges with her off-spin bowling, the primary skill in her game when she broke through to senior cricket with a bang in 2022.

It is something she is working hard to get back up to speed with the desire to be a genuine all-rounder burns bright - but her batting has taken prominence, as aforementioned.

“Bowling is something I’m plugging away at and want to get back into my game,” she continued.

“I want to be able to offer being a genuine all-rounder, but I’ve really enjoyed batting in the last few years.

“If you are enjoying it, and want to work hard, then it is a fun opportunity to have.

“But that all-rounder role is something I want to look to in the next few years.”