When you look at the potential in the South East Stars’ squad, it is only a matter of time before they shine.
The established players such as captain Tash Farrant, Sophia Dunkley, Freya Davies, Alice Davidson-Richards, and Bryony Smith have been on the England scene in the past few years. They each give the Stars squad different qualities that can contribute to team success. As Farrant proved during the winter, a good showing in the regional competitions can lead to a recall.
Add into the fact that Dunkley is far from finished with the set-up; it will be interesting to see how she copes with being one of the senior players, and the number of quality runs and wickets she can produce this summer.
They are joined by young players that have started to put in the type of performances that may not yet have reaped the rewards their potential suggests they are capable of. Alice Capsey is still only 16 but looks to have a bright future, as do the other Stars players not yet out of their teens, including Chloe Brewster.
Key Player
Sophia Dunkley has the chance to show the England management that she is worthy of breaking into the England side. She has played 15 T20 internationals, but they have yet to show what a stylish batter she truly is.
It is not only with the bat that Dunkley is useful; her leg-spin picks up wickets. A summer where Dunkley scores buckets full of runs and takes bags of wickets, and England will not be able to ignore her, and it will also help South East Stars competitive in the regional competitions.
One to watch
It is going to be a big year for Alice Capsey. She will start her second season with South East Stars and will also be part of the Oval Invincibles for the inaugural Hundred competition. All this at the age of sixteen.
A player who looks composed beyond her years, South East Stars have got a genuinely serious player on their hands. Last year she scored an unbeaten 73 at Chelmsford against Sunrisers.
More is to come from Capsey, and it will be interesting to see how she copes as opposition players figure out her weaknesses.
How will they fare?
With the mix of senior players and young players, South East Stars have everything going for them. Players such as Tash Farrant and Alice Davidson-Richards know how to win County Championships, so there is no reason that cannot be carried over.
Their opening game allows them the chance to get off to a flier, and it will be a case of how they perform against the top teams if they are to progress any further.
Opening fixture: 29 May, Sunrisers, Chelmsford
