Cricket

England's women's cricket team has welcomed a rising star to their ranks, with 20-year-old seamer Ryana MacDonald-Gay receiving her maiden senior call-up for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.MacDonald-Gay, who has impressed with her performances for South East Stars in the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy, has been added to the 14-player squad as cover due to minor injuries within the group.The young bowler has a proven track record, having represented England at Under-19 and England A levels. In the current season's Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy, she has emerged as the second-leading wicket-taker, claiming 12 wickets at an impressive average of 11.75.England head coach Jon Lewis praised MacDonald-Gay's abilities, stating, "Ryana has been a standout bowler in domestic 50-over cricket and had a good 50-over tour of New Zealand with our England A team. We have brought her in at this point as we have a couple of niggles in the squad. We have been really impressed with her skill level and accuracy."MacDonald-Gay's journey in cricket began at the tender age of 15 when she made her debut for Kent. She has since represented Oval Invincibles in the Women's Hundred, showcasing her versatility across different formats.During England A's tour of New Zealand in March, MacDonald-Gay made a significant impact, taking six wickets in two 50-over matches and five wickets in two T20s. Her performances caught the attention of the national selectors, leading to her inclusion in the senior squad.MacDonald-Gay's addition to the team adds depth to England's bowling attack and provides them with a promising young talent for the future. She is expected to join the squad in Durham on Tuesday ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand at Chester-le-Street on Wednesday.

In a thrilling encounter at Beckenham, the South East Stars emerged victorious over Central Sparks by a commanding 71-run margin (D/L method) in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.Ryana MacDonald-Gay continued her impressive start to the season, claiming 4 for 18 to dismantle the Sparks' batting lineup. The Maidstone-born seamer has now amassed 12 wickets in just three matches, showcasing her lethal bowling prowess.Paige Scholfield and Tash Farrant laid the foundation for the Stars' victory with solid half-centuries. Scholfield contributed 65 runs, while Farrant, captaining the side in Bryony Smith's absence, scored 54.However, Hannah Baker of the Sparks staged a remarkable comeback, claiming five wickets in four balls to finish with career-best figures of 5 for 45. The Stars faltered from a promising position of 230 for 3 to 268 all out, but their total proved insurmountable for the Sparks.The Sparks' chase never gained momentum, as they lost four wickets for two runs, leaving them reeling at 56 for 2. MacDonald-Gay's double-wicket-maiden in the 18th over further crippled their hopes.Eve Jones and Chloe Brewer provided some resistance with a 35-run opening partnership, but the Sparks' batting collapsed after Brewer's dismissal. MacDonald-Gay's brilliance continued as she dismissed Davina Perrin, Eve Jones, and Abi Freeborn in quick succession.Despite a valiant effort from Issy Wong and Grace Ellis, who put together a 61-run partnership, the Sparks were unable to recover from their early setbacks. With 20 overs remaining, rain forced the players off the field, and with no realistic prospect of a resumption, play was abandoned.Wong remained unbeaten on 34, while Ellis was 18 not out, but the Stars' 71-run victory was well-deserved.

South East Stars continued their winning streak in the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy, crushing The Blaze by eight wickets in Leicester. England's Ryana MacDonald-Gay starred with a career-best five-wicket haul, while opener Tash Farrant remained unbeaten on 68 to guide her team to victory.MacDonald-Gay's devastating spell reduced The Blaze to a precarious 49 for nine, with Sophie Munro, Ella Claridge, Nadine de Klerk, Sarah Glenn, Teresa Graves, Daisy Mullan, Bethany Harmer, and Cassidy McCarthy all falling victim to her accurate bowling. Alice Davidson-Richards then dismissed Harmer, leaving The Blaze on the brink of collapse.However, a remarkable 77-run partnership between Kirstie Gordon and Grace Ballinger rescued The Blaze from the depths of despair. Gordon remained unbeaten on 41, while Ballinger contributed 36 before being dismissed by Bryony Smith. Their efforts gave The Blaze a respectable total of 126, but it proved insufficient against the Stars' formidable batting lineup.Tash Farrant, who had scored a career-best 94 in the Stars' opening victory, continued her impressive form with an unbeaten 68. She struck five fours and two sixes in her 81-ball innings, dominating the Blaze's bowling attack. Bryony Smith also chipped in with 34 runs, helping the Stars reach their target with 159 balls to spare.The Blaze's depleted squad, missing several key players due to international commitments and injuries, struggled to compete with the Stars' strength in depth. Despite Gordon and Ballinger's valiant efforts, they were unable to prevent a comprehensive defeat.