We’re extremely excited that the 2024 season is upon us! Although the weather hasn’t been overly favourable to cricket down here in Somerset, we can’t wait to see what the season beholds for all of our sponsored players. We’ve put together our ‘ones to watch’ for the season, this is a brief insight into some of our brightest and youngest talents on show.
Grace Scrivens – Some of you may have already heard of Grace, she’s been making a huge name for herself in the past few seasons as both a batter and a bowler. Grace has captained the England U19's Squad and is now Captain of the Sunrisers as well as being an ever-present force in the Hundred for the London Spirt. In the Sunrisers most recent match she scored a massive 118*! Grace has a huge career ahead of her and we’re sure she will become a household name!
Dom Kelly – This may be a name you haven’t heard yet, but it’s definitely one you will hear repeated over and over again in the next few years. Currently studying at Millfield School and playing for Hampshire, Dom, unusually, is a left-handed batter and right arm quick bowler. He made his Hampshire debut aged 16 and has recently returned back from the U19s World Cup with England. We recently caught up with Dom about his winter and the season ahead:
“I had an amazing winter away, touring India and then the World Cup in South Africa with the England U19s squad. It was great to experience playing in different conditions, I’ve really been able to learn a lot and expand my game. I’ve been working extremely hard with the Hampshire coaches preparing for the season, I just want to get out there!
Darcey Carter – Darcey is making a name for herself as one of the most exciting young talents in women’s cricket. Scottish born, Darcey has come through the ranks at Kent, making her debut in 2022 aged just 16. Since then, she has been a prominent feature in the squad and has been promoted to the Southeast Stars senior squad, making her debut in 2023. She made an instant impact with an impressive 2/31 from her 5 overs. Darcey came to the forefront on the international stage after a massive 103* from 55 balls in the 2023 U19s World Cup and has since made her full international debut. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for her!
Rocky Flintoff – Rocky recently made headlines when he became Lancashire’s youngest ever player to score a 2nd XI century at aged 16 years old, beating the previous record set in 1994 by his father, Freddie Flintoff. Rocky plays with the same flair as his father, with the two of them having very similar techniques, and the ability to easily clear the ropes! His older brother Corey also plays in the same Lancashire squad. There will me a large number of eyes on Rocky this season, with the talent and potential he possesses!
Shoaib Bashir – You’ll have all heard this name! Shoaib was the rising star of the 2023 season, making his Somerset debut in June, England Lions debut in October and his England call up in December. What a year! Shoaib is still only 20-years-old, there is no limit to what he can go on to achieve. We caught up with Shoaib ahead of Somerset’s County Championship fixture against Essex:
“The last 12 months has been unbelievable, I’m trying to not get ahead of myself and focus on bowling the best I possibly can. It’s great to be back out there with the boys again!