Somerset take over from Western Storm, a team that built a proud record during the Kia Super League era but struggled to find consistency in the regional structure. While the Storm name fades, the legacy doesn’t – and Somerset, long regarded as a stronghold for women’s cricket, will aim to quietly rebuild on solid foundations. With a clear identity and passionate backing, the challenge now will be balancing smart recruitment with a commitment to developing local talent. Success won’t come overnight, but if they can strike that balance, Somerset have the potential to emerge as serious contenders in the seasons to come.
Signing Heather Knight and appointing her as an advisor to the board was a smart, forward-thinking move – a signal of real commitment from both county and player. Knight is one of the most influential figures in the women’s game, having captained England for nearly nine years. She also has strong ties to the region, having previously represented Western Storm, as well as Devon and Berkshire. With her England captaincy now behind her, we may well see more of her in Taunton — and her presence, both on the field and behind the scenes, could be a huge asset to Somerset as they establish their identity.
It was likely Knight’s influence that led to Charlie Dean choosing Somerset over Hampshire – a significant move for a team in transition. Dean, often mentioned as a potential successor to Knight in the England leadership setup, is a reliable all-rounder. While her batting may not yet be at the level of a top-order specialist, she has a knack for digging England out of tricky situations when the pressure mounts. Her off-spin – an increasingly rare art at the international level – brings vital control and experience. Should Dean be available for parts of the season, her presence will be invaluable for Somerset. The prospect of her bowling in tandem with Amanda-Jade Wellington is an exciting one, with both offering Somerset a solid spin duo that could prove crucial in key moments.
Amanda-Jade Wellington is a leg-spinner who’s found herself a bit unlucky, given the wealth of spin talent in Australia right now. While she offers a different style to Alana King, the competition is fierce, and Wellington’s international opportunities have been limited. But make no mistake — she’s a genuine threat with the ball and brings solid depth to Somerset. For a side with plenty of promise but not a wealth of experience, Wellington’s all-round skills will be invaluable. She’s not just about the spin; her contributions with the bat add another dimension that will give Somerset the edge they need in tight contests.
Somerset will be led by Sophie Luff, no stranger to Taunton or the county itself. Her ties to Somerset go back long before her playing days, and captaining her home side is a role she’ll relish. A respected top-order batter, Luff leads with quiet authority and a calm head — qualities that will be vital for a young squad still finding its feet. She knows there’ll be bumps in the road, but there’s very little in the domestic game she hasn’t already seen. Crucially, she was part of a Western Storm side that won the Kia Super League twice, so she knows what it takes to win — and instilling that mindset in a developing group may be one of her most important tasks.
Laura Jackson brings valuable experience to Somerset’s seam attack. Known for her inswinging yorker, she offers control — exactly what a young bowling unit needs. She could prove the perfect mentor for Ellie Anderson, the England Under-19 international who made the switch from Central Sparks. Anderson has settled in well since moving west, and under Jackson’s guidance, she could take some important steps forward this season.
Fran Wilson needs no introduction — World Cup winner, Pointless celebrity champion, gun bat, and superb fielder. She gives the team everything: experience, commitment to the cause, and balance to the batting line-up.
After Wilson comes a young core that could help shape the future of Somerset. Emma Corney, a top-order bat, is just 21 and feels on the cusp of kicking on. All-rounders Alex Griffiths and Niamh Holland add value with both bat and ball. Griffiths gets inswing, while Holland bats with a mix of finesse and power, accessing all areas of the ground. Katie Jones, still only 19, is the wicketkeeper and continues to improve with the bat in hand. She’s a player with real potential.
Mollie Robins and Chloe Skelton are both bowlers to be reckoned with. Robins, a tall bowler, generates bounce and swing, with variations of pace and a particularly effective away swinger. Skelton, an off-spinner, targets the stumps and is rarely out of the wickets.
One player Somerset will miss is Dani Gibson. The all-rounder has been ruled out this season due to a stress fracture in her back. While she was expected to miss some games due to international duty, losing a player who can hit big and take wickets is a blow to any team.
Key Player
It’s hard to look past Sophie Luff, who lies at the heart of everything Somerset will aim to achieve. An intelligent leader, when Luff scores runs, you sit up and take notice. There will be times when she needs her team to follow her lead, and it’s likely she’ll be the one to drive them forward when it matters most.
Player to Watch
Emma Corney is a young player who, while her numbers don’t fully reflect it yet, has a natural ability that suggests greater things are to come. At just 21, Corney has already racked up five fifties in 29 List A innings — a solid foundation for what’s likely to come. Her ability to strike the ball cleanly on both sides of the wicket, combined with a powerful cover drive and mid-wicket shots, makes her one to watch. If Somerset stick with her, the rewards will surely follow in the seasons ahead.
How will they fare?
While this might not be the season Somerset clinch silverware, it could be one where they lay down strong foundations for the future. With seasoned leaders like Luff and Knight, combined with a crop of young players still refining their craft, there’s reason to be optimistic. It’s a season of growth, and while trophies may elude them, the potential for success in the seasons to come is undoubtedly there.
Opening Fixture: Metro Bank One Day Cup: 23 April 2024 v Surrey at Beckenham
