New look Yorkshire Diamonds bank on overseas stars

Considering the cricketing pedigree of the Yorkshire county, there is no doubt that Yorkshire Diamonds have underachieved in Women's Cricket Super League since its inception.



So far, in three years of the Super League, the Diamonds have not yet qualified for Finals Day by finishing in the top three places in the group stages.



Diamonds have revamped their side for the final edition of the tournament which will be replaced by the Hundred from 2020.



Firstly, former Yorkshire Diamond player and England International Danielle Hazell, who went on to captain Lancashire Thunder for the last two years, has been roped in as a head coach, since she retired as a player earlier this year. She has replaced Paul Grayson, who has taken on the role of men’s batting coach.



The Diamonds have brought in England bowlers Katie George and Linsey Smith and have three new overseas players in Alyssa Healy, Jemimah Rodrigues and Chloe Tryon. They have replaced Beth Mooney, Chamari Athapaththu and Delissa Kimmince who played in 2018 season as overseas players.



Australian wicketkeeper batsman Healy, one of the world’s best players at present, has played briefly for Yorkshire women before, will immediately join Diamonds squad the end of the Ashes tour.



Rodrigues, an 18-year-old batter, is a rising star of Indian cricket. South Africa all-rounder Tryon has made over 130 international appearances.



Commenting on her new role, Hazell said, “Over the last few years, Yorkshire, a massive county, have probably underperformed in the Super League. We’ve now got a chance to put it right in the final year of the competition as it is now.



“Hopefully some good signings and good performances can achieve that.



“I believe it’s a good squad and one of strongest I’ve seen at the Diamonds. We’re pretty happy with it.”



Hazell is currently helping to coach Durham’s women, but their schedule concludes at the end of June. Another change for the Diamonds is that Melvyn Betts is the new assistant coach, replacing Gareth Breese, who is now full-time with England.



Hazell added: “This job a lot different to what I’m used to, but I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve got with Yorkshire.



“I’m looking forward to an exciting month or so through July and August.



“It’s the natural step from playing, and coaching is always something I’ve been interested. It’s great to have that chance to give something back to the game. Hopefully I can do a decent job.



“Once you take on the captaincy, it has an air of responsibility. That comes with coaching as well. You can look at both roles in a similar kind of light I guess.”



Yorkshire Diamonds Squad:



Hollie Armitage, Katherine Brunt, Alice Davidson Richards, Georgia Davis, Helen Fenby, Katie George, Cordelia Griffith, Bess Heath, Beth Langston, Katie Levick, Alyssa Healy (wk), Linsey Smith, Chloe Tryon, Jemimah Rodrigues, Lauren Winfield.