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.
First, commentator and host of The County Cricket Podcast - and long-time Bears fan - Aaron Viles takes us through Bears Women.
Secure your seats to the opening double-header on Friday 30 May here.
How do you think Bears Women are shaping up ahead of the start of the 2025 Vitality Blast?
"The Bears are comparatively inexperienced to other Tier One teams, but the talent present across all departments is undeniable.
"With the bat in hand, Head Coach Ali Maiden can call upon the services of promising youngsters such as Davina Perrin and Meg Austin as well as WBBL stalwart Laura Harris and Central Sparks regular Abbey Freeborn.
"Meanwhile, in the bowling department, the Bears possess a mean spin bowling unit comprising of England internationals Georgia Davis and Hannah Baker, former England U19 international Charis Pavely and standout Southern Vipers Academy prospect Millie Taylor.
"As well as that, we have a potent seam attack featuring the likes of Katie George, Issy Wong and Em Arlott, all of whom have represented England.
"Providing that the team can stay in the mix before the India T20I series, which could easily see Wong and Arlott unavailable for selection, the Bears will be in with a good chance of securing a spot in the top half of the table.
Who are the key players that fans should be aware of?
"I’m a big fan of new overseas signing Laura Harris. Possessing the ability to single-handedly take down bowlers with a barrage of powerfully-struck boundaries, Harris provides exactly the kind of explosive archetype and x-factor pedigree that the Bears were looking for in order to bolster the batting unit.
"She’s also an experienced campaigner in the format, having featured extensively for the Brisbane Heat in the WBBL over the years, as well as acquiring opportunities with the Delhi Capitals and the Barbados Royals in the WPL and WCPL respectively.
"If Harris gets firing for the Bears in the T20 Blast, strap yourselves in for some serious entertainment.
"Meanwhile, with the ball in hand, I’ll go with Hannah Baker. With the star duo of Em Arlott and Issy Wong potentially involved in the India T20I series in the latter stages of the tournament, the Bears require someone to step up in their absence, and if anybody can shoulder that additional responsibility, it’s Baker.
"With a great deal of control, a good mix of variations and the confidence to attack the stumps, even when under fire, the 21-year-old leg spinner will undoubtedly be one of the key players in the bowling unit.
"Hopefully, she will build on her impressive 2024 Charlotte Edwards Cup campaign which saw her finish with 12 wickets in 10 matches, at a shrewd economy rate of just 6.64 runs per over.
Who is the young gun worth keeping an eye on?
"Davina Perrin. The 18-year-old is one of the most promising batting talents in England and Wales and showcased her immense potential in fine fashion last season by finishing as Central Sparks’ leading Charlotte Edwards Cup run-scorer.
"Factor in her strong performances at the 2025 Under-19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia, which saw her finish as the competition’s second-leading run-scorer, as well as a fantastic 58* (44) against Yorkshire in the quarter-finals of the recently concluded Vitality T20 Women's County Cup.
"This year’s tournament should present an excellent opportunity for Davina to further elevate her rapidly growing profile in the county circuit to an even wider-reaching audience."
What do you think should be the target for Bears Women in 2025?
"To reach Finals Day. Whilst comparatively inexperienced to other sides in the tournament, this immensely promising team have already shown that they can be competitive in the T20 County Cup.
"With the core nucleus of the 2024 Central Sparks side, who reached the semi-finals of the Charlotte Edwards Cup last season, still present in the squad, achieving a top-four finish and an appearance at Finals Day should definitely be the ambition for Georgia Davis’s side in 2025."
