'Five spots up for grabs' – Mark Robinson's challenge to England prospects
Western Storm and Surrey Stars will face off in the first game on Monday, 27 August, at Hove, with the winner taking on Loughborough Lightning in the final later in the day.
With the ICC Women’s World T20 2018 taking place in November in the Caribbean, England are keen to add the Twenty20 title to their 50-over ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 title. The WCSL offers players a chance to stake their claim for a place in the squad.
Finals day is fast approaching! Use your bank holiday Monday wisely and get down to Hove to watch us play! Tickets only £5 and £1 for U16s!! @surreycricket 🌟🌟
— Bryony Smith (@BrySmith97) August 24, 2018
According to Robinson, there are at least five spots he’s undecided on. "In my mind I have 10 slots on the plane taken, so there are five up for grabs," he told BBC.
"We'd be silly to just base it on Monday. We will look at what people have done over a period of time, but Monday does add an extra dimension.
"We are looking for players who can perform when it really matters.”
I can't wait to play back where I grew up on Monday ! Please please if you're free come and watch the KSL Finals Day at @SussexCCC! Should be a great day !!!! #KSL 🏏 #womenscricket Ticket information below 😊 https://t.co/HE0fn8Nizd
— Sarah Taylor (@Sarah_Taylor30) August 24, 2018
Overseas stars Smriti Mandhana from India and Sophie Devine from New Zealand are on top of the batting and bowling charts respectively ahead of Finals Day, but there have been performances of note from several players on the fringes of England selection.
"Players outside the current squad like Freya Davies, Linsey Smith and Sophia Dunkley have had good tournaments. We're watching to see how they perform on the day.
"There are also some others that have played for England, the likes of Fran Wilson, that we want to use Monday as an opportunity to show they can stand up and win big games," said Robinson.
The local talents also realise the doors that could open for them. Storm, for instance, will be missing Mandhana, who is back with her national side, and will need the rest of the line-up to pull their weight.
"The overseas players have performed all season for us,” agreed Storm’s Sophie Luff. “Smriti’s been fantastic. She’s done her job in getting us to Finals Day, so it might just be an opportunity for the rest of us to step up.”
Said Lightning’s wicket-keeper batter Amy Jones in an interview with The Guardian, “It’s a fantastic opportunity to show what I can do with the bat. If you can perform in a final, it says a lot about you. Hopefully I can get some runs and put my name in the hat.”