Laura Jackson can’t wait for the Hundred to start again - so it’s a shame she has to.
The women’s version of the tournament has been cut short this year by the Commonwealth Games, which for the first time features T20 women’s cricket at Edgbaston.
As such, while the men get going next Wednesday, the women have to wait until August 11 for the double headers to resume.
For Manchester Originals seamer Jackson, who turns out for Norley Hall in the Love Lane Liverpool Competition, the opportunity to share the biggest stages with the men was the best thing about last year’s inaugural season.
She said: “It's not really happened before.
“It was down to Covid - we were supposed to be playing at different grounds, but with security and everything, it was easier to put us on the same day.
“I think it actually worked out really well, because we're doing it again this year.
“It's really good that we are playing on the same days, we have the same opportunities as the men, the pay is getting better and the prize money's the same.
“So they’re really investing in us, which is really good to see.”
Jackson, 24, is particularly looking forward to linking up with her team-mates from NW Thunder, as well as the Originals’ overseas stars.
Bajan all-rounder Deandra Dottin played for Thunder in their last four Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 50-over games, and will join the Originals after representing her country in the Games; South African Lizelle Lee featured in last year’s Hundred, while Jackson knows New Zealanders Amy Satterthwaite and Lea Tahuhu from their time in the Kia Super League.
Jackson said: “I just love playing with my team.
“We've got a really close team - I love playing with them at Thunder, and quite a few of us are with the Originals.
“So I just love playing with them all the time, and anyone else is an added bonus.
“I loved playing with Cordelia Griffith last year - she's a belter of a human, so I can’t wait to see her again.
“And we’ve got Ami Campbell as well, I met her for the first time this year and she’s so funny.
“I always just want a good time, to be honest, so I’m excited to play with them.”
The Originals finished fifth last year, failing to catch up after a slow start.
“There were a few close games last year where we should have really got over the line,” said Jackson. “We’re a lot more confident this year.
“Last year was a huge unknown - we know what to expect this year and we know what our tactics are now.”
Jackson gets back to Norley Hall when her schedule allows. Thunder skipper Ellie Threlkeld at Rainford and Nat Brown at Sutton have also turned out for Comp 1st XIs - Jackson feels this is a trend which will only get bigger as more women and girls get into the game.
She added: “The women's game is getting a lot stronger, so they can get introduced to cricket through that.
“People just want to play cricket.
“It won’t be long until people start playing for 1st XIs and realise it isn't too scary - and it’s actually quite a good laugh.”
- Rainford host Dumbleton on Sunday in the semi-final of the Voneus Village Cup – with a Lord’s final for the winner. 1pm start.
