Eve Jones’ face lights up as the names of the international stars joining her Birmingham Phoenix side in the Hundred this year are reeled off, but she is just as proud of the young local talent coming through.
Cricketing superstars Ellyse Perry and Sophie Devine will finally get the chance to pull on the Phoenix kit having missed out through Covid last year and are joined by India’s Deepti Sharma and Perry’s Australia teammate Sophie Molineux.
The 29-year-old was part of the Phoenix side who reached the semi-finals last year where they lost to eventual champions Oval Invincibles and was voted PCA Women's Player of the Year for 2021.
“It's very exciting, isn't it?” the opener said. “Obviously, their names speak for themselves. You don't have to say too much when you hear the name, Ellyse Perry, and Sophie Devine, and the other two.
“I'm just so excited to see how they go and how we gel as a team, obviously, a lot of the other teams have got some fantastic signings as well.
“So, I think it's going to be a really strong competition, I'm excited to get on the field again with them.”
Jones was speaking at the launch of KP Snacks’ summer cricket roadshow at The Black Prince Trust in Oval. KP Snacks are the Official Team Partner of The Hundred and are on a mission to inspire more families to get active through cricket by bringing a pop-up experience on a nationwide tour of the country.
The Edgbaston-based side have the likes of 20-year-old England star Issy Wong in their ranks, but it is another youngster who could make history with Davina Perrin set to make history as the youngest player to play in The Hundred at just 15.
Jones added: “You forget how young she is when she goes out into the field. She's opened the batting with me at Central Sparks for a few games this year.
“She's phenomenal talent. I'm so excited to see her journey over the next few years.
“She's just fitted into our squad so well, and you just forget how young she really is. It's great for her to be involved in The Hundred and get an opportunity like this.
“I think she's really deserved it, so we'll see how she goes, but I'm sure she'll get a lot out of being in the environment.”
Jones’ own route into the game came from family playing the game and having fun, just as the roadshow, which will roll into Birmingham on 20th August, is trying to do for people around the country.
It is a career that has seen her progress to the fringes of the England squad, playing in all of England A’s games in Australia this winter, as well as captaining Central Sparks to the final of the Charlotte Edwards Cup earlier this year.
She said: “I started playing at my local cricket club and obviously had family connections. My dad was there my sister was there, my mother didn’t play cricket, but she obviously supported us.
“I just went through the pathway playing cricket, got into county cricket and progressed that way, so just like the kids here today.
“Just starting by having fun and really enjoying it and just getting in and getting involved in it. It's good to see and good to be here and see them enjoying the game, trying things out, and giving it a go.”
KP Snacks, Official Team Partner of The Hundred, are touring the country this summer to offer more opportunities for people to play cricket as part of their ‘Everyone In’ campaign. Visit everyonein.co.uk/about
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Read the rules here