In a new series for this year's Vitality Blast, an expert eye will provide a deep dive into each of The Blaze and Notts Outlaws' Trent Bridge opponents.
As the Vitality Blast resumes at Trent Bridge with a double-header following a three-week hiatus, a detailed look at Durham Women is provided by commentator Polly Starkie.
Secure your seats to Sunday’s double-header on 6 July here...
What did you make of the first half of Durham's 2025 Vitality Blast campaign?
Durham have had a tough run in the Blast so far. A marginal DLS win against Hampshire and a more comfortable win against Somerset have been where Durham have picked up points, but the table is not the full picture.
The north-east side have come painstakingly close to victory but have missed key opportunities to put points on the board. Despite a star-studded batting line up, setting and chasing competitive totals has proved a challenge.
On the occasion that Durham did set a challenging score of 188 against The Blaze, the side crumbled in the second innings, the visitors wrapping the game up with an over to spare.
Bess Heath and Katie Levick lead the way with bat and ball, respectively, but who else is key for Durham?
Heath has been a solid player for quick runs. Coming in usually at five, she has reinforced her style as an explosive batter and is handy in the middle order to stabilise the batting.
Mady Villiers has been Durham’s ever-present all-rounder this season. Scoring a career best 85* against Warwickshire and remaining among the wickets, Villiers is a huge asset to this Durham side.
Recently signing for the Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash league next winter, Villiers’ performances are being rewarded, and her exceptional fielding is being highlighted as a strength.
New Zealand legend Suzie Bates is Durham’s overseas star this season and she has not disappointed. With two half centuries (two scores of 49 too) she’s been an important part of the exciting top order.
The World Cup winner is a fantastic mentor and experienced head to have around what is a relatively young squad.
Who are the young up-and-comers worth keeping an eye on?
18-year-old Grace Thompson has been the breakout player for Durham this year. Unexpectedly playing Durham’s first game in the professional era, Thompson took the club’s first wicket of this new era and has pretty seamlessly transitioned to senior cricket.
In the absence of Lauren Filer, Thompson has taken on the responsibility of opening the bowling and has caught the attention of England scouts. Often economical, Thompson is one of the most promising young seamers on the circuit.
Phoebe Turner has once again started her season well. The 21-year-old seamer has typically excelled more in 50 over cricket but is always a calm presence on the pitch. Turner is generally quite economical and has gone under the radar for a few years in domestic cricket.
Based on what you’ve seen so far, what do you think should be the target for Durham with six games to go?
T20 Blast Finals Day is looking like a distant target with the start Durham have had. However, stringing a few wins together will surely be an ambition for Dani Hazell’s side.
Durham have been missing that ‘complete performance’; for example, setting a hefty total and keeping composure to defend it. As alluded to, Durham are definitely one of the younger and less experienced counties in the competition.
With an 18-year-old academy graduate opening the bowling and a number of players still in their first few years of professional cricket, they’re a team who are very much building for the future.
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