Loughborough Lightning Preview: Lightning looking to strike way to final

Loughborough Lightning had a tough start to last year’s Kia Super League. They still went into the last game knowing they could qualify for the semi-final like they did in the first year. It wasn’t to be for the side that represents the Midlands. This year they are without Ellyse Perry who decided to miss out this year’s competition, yet if anything this looks like the strongest Loughborough Lightning squad they have ever had.



 



The Captain



Again, it will be Georgia Elwiss that will be calling the shots. The Sussex all-rounder regained her place in the England team, playing every game of the recent ODI series against New Zealand.



Elwiss can bat anywhere in the top order and was considered to be more suitable to the longer formats of the game. A good season for Melbourne Stars where she was one of the more consistent players. It proved a catalyst more in charge of her own game than before and earn the England recall.



It is Elwiss’ bowling that adds an extra dimension to her game. Having initially considered more of a bowler there is now a more equal balance to her game.



 



The Overseas players



While Perry doesn’t return, her Australia teammate Elyse Villani does. The destructive opener had a great start to the latest WBBL campaign and punished most bowling attacks that came her way. If Villani keeps that sort of consistency, then Loughborough will get off to good starts.



Another player to return to Loughborough Lightning is Sophie Devine who played for the Leicestershire based side in the first season of Kia Super League before switching to Yorkshire Diamonds. An all-rounder who is part of New Zealand’s hard-hitting opening batting pair. In the final ODI at Leicester only a week ago she scored an important hundred that restored some pride in a New Zealand side that was easily beaten in the first two games.



A new player to the Loughborough Lightning fold is Rachael Haynes. During the Ashes series, Haynes captained Australia in the absence of Meg Lanning. An experienced player who will be a big help to her captain it will be the potential runs that she offers her new team that will be important. Haynes was in hot form during the WBBL season and gives the top of the order some stability around some of the hard hitters.



 



The England Internationals



Like Elwiss, Amy Jones has worked her way back into the England side and is in good form. A good timer of the ball. While she opens the batting for England and Warwickshire she might find herself in the middle-order with the talent that Loughborough Lightning have. Jones will be keeping wickets for Loughborough Lightning. She kept on the tour to India and is seen as an understudy to Sarah Taylor.



Jenny Gunn is a player that has seen it all. Having started her career at Nottinghamshire it will be a return to the East Midlands for Gunn who is currently playing her county cricket at Warwickshire. A bowling all-rounder she is particularly known for her slower ball known as the ‘whiff ball.’



 



The best of the rest



Kirstie Gordon the Scottish left-arm spinner had an exceptional season for Nottinghamshire. There wasn’t a game where she didn’t trouble batters. Alongside Gordon in the Nottinghamshire side was Lucy Higham, an off-spinner who bowls with control.



Another spinner that Loughborough Lightning have at their disposal is the leg-spinner, Sarah Glenn. A hard-hitting all-rounder t20 is the perfect format for her.



Georgia Adams moves from Southern Vipers to Loughborough Lightning. The Sussex captain attended university in Loughborough and it will be a welcome return.



 



Squad



Georgia Elwiss (c), Amy Jones, Jenny Gunn, Lucy Higham, Sonia Odedra, Abby Freeborn, Kirstie Gordon, Georgia Adams, Tara Norris, Jo Gardner, Sarah Glen, Linsey Smith, Elyse Villani, Rachael Haynes, Sophie Devine