Knight targets double triumph
3 August 2017
Heather Knight is targeting a famous double triumph as she prepares to lead Western Storm into action in this summer's Kia Super League campaign.
Having already guided her country to glory against India in the women's World Cup final at Lord's, the England captain is now hell-bent upon adding the domestic title to the global one she won last month.
And revenge is on her mind as Storm, who lost out to Southern Vipers in the inaugural final at Chelmsford last year, attempt to go one better in 2017. Reaching finals day at Hove represents the minimum requirement for Knight, who is determined to steer Storm to the summit this time round.
Once again, the Vipers, captained by former England star Charlotte Edwards, stand in the way. Western Storm open their account against the defending champions and pre-tournament favourites in front of the Sky Sports TV cameras as the Ageas Bowl on Thursday, August 10, and Knight is not about to underestimate the size of the challenge facing her and her team-mates.
She reasoned: "Southern Vipers is a pretty tough start for us. They have retained the core of the side that won the tournament last year and added to it, and playing them is a big ask for us.
"They must start favourites again this year and they are looking like the team to beat if we want to go all the way. It was disappointing to come up short in the final last season and our aim is to go one better. But that first game at Southampton will be key for us. This is such a short tournament, that you cannot afford to make mistakes and we know we need to start fast."
Accustomed to performing on the big stage, Knight will take playing in front of the cameras in her stride. But for some of her Storm team-mates, it will be an altogether new experience. She added: "We're aware that our first game is not only a repeat of last year's final, but also the first-ever Kia Super League match ever to be shown live on television. A lot of the county players on both teams won't have played on TV before. We need to deal with that, because we have to start well.
"We've kept the same core of players and, hopefully, will be able to make it to finals day in Hove. The aim this time has to be to win the tournament. Playing in finals is all well and good, but when you get there, you need to win. To win the World Cup and the Kia Super League in the space of a couple of months would be fantastic."
Previously contracted by Hobart Hurricanes, Knight believes the Super League in England can emulate the success and popularity enjoyed by the Australia Women's Big Bash League Down Under.
“The Big Bash has piggy-backed the men's competition a little bit, but it has really taken off in Australia. But we are catching up over here and the Supoer League could really take off on the back of England's World Cup win.
"Last year the signs were brilliant - better attended than the Big Bash in its first edition. A lot more games on Sky and the radio should help to grow that and further raise the profile of women's cricket. We are fortunate to play at some excellent grounds. Taunton and Bristol may be slightly smaller than some of the Test match venues, but the create brilliant atmospheres to play in.
"It is important we have good pitches to play on, so that the best players can showcase their talent, and I think things are improving on that front."
Western Storm have retained their best players and added to the squad that finished runner-up in 2016. Knight will once again be leading a side containing England's World Cup final-winning hero Anya Shrubsole and West Indian superstar Stefanie Taylor.
New Zealand wicketkeeper Rachel Priest and England international Fran Wilson are returning, while Storm recently added overseas recruit Holly Hudlestone to their ranks. The 29-year-old New Zealander has featured in 18 one day internationals for the White Ferns, taking 28 wickets at an average of 20.31 with a best of 5-25.
Western Storm head coach Trevor Griffin is confident the team can again establish itself among the front-runners for the domestic prize. He said: To have players of such quality in the squad is fantastic. Heather, Anya and Stefanie are genuine match-winners and to have them back is great for the team and the fans alike. Fran and Rachel also made vital contributions last year, so we are really glad to be welcoming them back as well.
"The team spirit that the squad developed last year was key to what we achieved, so it's great news that a large part of that group will be reunited again in 2017."
Tickets to watch Western Storm this summer are on general sale now for:
• £5 adults
• £1 children U16
• £10 Family
