Preview: Bears v Wales, Vitality County Women's T20

Birmingham Bears Women begin their County T20 campaign this weekend at the Edgbaston Community Sports Ground in the return of women’s County Cricket after its postponement in 2020 due to Covid-19.

They take on Cricket Wales in the opening round of fixtures, playing the Welsh women in their first of four double header Sundays. The Bears return raring to go after being crowned champions in the 2019 season, going undefeated within the tournament.

Captain Marie Kelly is one of the most longstanding Bears, and after guiding her side to victory she ‘’cannot wait to get out on the field again and see how far we have come,’’ said Kelly.

‘’Portland Road feels like our home so going back there and reliving all of those memories is exciting, we all love playing there so much.’’

After the success of the inaugural Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy in 2020, the Bears women return with some professional cricket under the belts, an experience that Marie speaks very highly of.

‘’It is going to be really exciting to see how our girls have all improved after playing the regional tournament last year. It was a great opportunity and we all played in different teams so coming back together is great.

‘’I love being able to represent my county so coming back to the Bears and playing county cricket really is special, and now know we get to do it for the next couple of years is even better news.’’