Cricket

Tilly Corteen-Coleman, the 17-year-old spinner who impressed in the Women's Hundred, has been named in England's 15-player squad for the upcoming Women's Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia.Corteen-Coleman made a strong debut for Southern Brave in the Hundred, dismissing Australia's Meg Lanning. She also impressed for South East Stars in domestic competitions, claiming 5 for 19 against Northern Diamonds.Davina Perrin, who was part of England's squad that lost to India in the inaugural Under-19 tournament in 2023, is also included. A captain will be named closer to the tournament.Sixteen teams will participate in the 41-match event from January 18 to February 2, 2025. England has been drawn in Group B alongside Ireland, Pakistan, and USA.Chris Guest, Performance Lead for the women's Under-19 set-up, said he is excited to guide another group of young players through their maiden global event. He emphasized the importance of the tournament for player development, citing the examples of Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Hannah Baker, Seren Smale, and Charis Pavely, who have all represented the senior team after playing in the Under-19 World Cup.Guest will be joined by assistant coaches Dan Helesfay and Beth Morgan. Morgan, a former England international, currently works as a Regional Talent Manager for Southern Vipers.Richard Bedbrook, Head of England Women Performance Pathways, said the quality of the squad highlights the work of the regional teams. He expressed hope that the players and staff will benefit from the experience.Five non-travelling reserves have also been selected: Maria Andrews, Sophie Beech, Daisy Gibb, Poppy Tulloch, and Annie Williams.

In a thrilling Charlotte Edwards Cup encounter at Canterbury, the Central Sparks emerged victorious over the South East Stars by three wickets, thanks to a hat-trick and match-winning knock from Emily Arlott.Arlott's exceptional bowling performance, which yielded figures of 4-21, and Katie George's 2-31 restricted the Stars to a modest total of 122 for 8. Sophia Dunkley top-scored for the Stars with a gritty 58 from 49 deliveries.The Sparks' chase got off to a shaky start as 16-year-old spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman dismissed both openers in the third over. However, skipper Eve Jones (43) and Courtney Webb (31) steadied the innings with a crucial 59-run partnership.Corteen-Coleman's impressive spell continued as she claimed the wicket of Webb, but Jones remained resolute. With the Sparks needing eight runs from the final over, Arlott stepped up to the plate. She dispatched Tash Farrant's first two deliveries for boundaries, sealing the victory with four balls to spare.The match held special significance for the Stars, as it marked their final scheduled appearance at the Spitfire Ground with six Kent-raised players in their ranks. The crowd of 1,277 witnessed a captivating contest that showcased the depth of women's cricket in England.

In a thrilling encounter at the Seat Unique Riverside, South East Stars emerged victorious over Northern Diamonds in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, thanks to a remarkable bowling performance from 16-year-old Tilly Corteen-Coleman.Diamonds, who won the toss and elected to bat, made a promising start with openers Leah Dobson and Lauren Winfield-Hill putting on a 50-run partnership. However, the Stars' bowlers struck back with a vengeance, led by Corteen-Coleman's sensational spell.The teenager, who was only called up to the Stars' senior squad in April, picked up career-best figures of 5 for 19, including wickets from four consecutive balls. Her victims included key batters Sterre Kalis and Erin Burns, leaving Diamonds reeling at 88 for 4.The collapse continued as Diamonds lost their last six wickets for just 36 runs, with Corteen-Coleman completing her hat-trick in the final over. Dobson top-scored for Diamonds with a well-made 55, but her efforts were in vain as the hosts were bowled out for a paltry 124.In reply, the Stars made a confident start with Sophia Dunkley smashing a six in the third over. However, Diamonds fought back with Slater removing Dunkley for 25. Despite the wicket, the Stars continued to chase down the target with ease, aided by several dropped catches from Diamonds.Bryony Smith anchored the chase with an unbeaten 60, guiding her side to a six-wicket victory with four overs to spare. The win was the Stars' third in the competition, while Diamonds remain winless after four matches.Corteen-Coleman's performance was the highlight of the match, showcasing her immense potential as a future star of English cricket. Her ability to bowl with accuracy, variation, and pace proved too much for Diamonds, who were unable to recover from her devastating spell.