Central Sparks bowler Ellie Anderson says she feels like her “hard work and patience is paying off,” after making her senior debut in Sparks’ recent game against Thunder.
Anderson, who was just one of four Sparks players who featured in the ICC U19 World Cup for England over the domestic offseason, got her first senior start for the Sparks last Monday.
The debut for the 19-year-old came at New Road, Worcestershire, which is her home county ground. This, a moment Anderson said was ‘special.’
Anderson said: “I carried the drinks for a few games at New Road last season, hoping to get a game at my home ground.
“So, I was delighted to have made my debut there. A little bit of familiarity before I stepped into the unknown of my first senior game was nice.
“Also, having my family there made it that bit more special.”
Anderson, who came into the side for the injured Grace Potts and Emily Arlott, had a big responsibility in the game, being just one of three seamers in the team alongside Katie George and Bethan Ellis.
Anderson added: “I’m gutted for Em [Emily Arlott] and Pottsy [Grace Potts] to have suffered injuries. I’m pleased to have had the run I’ve had in the academy and second team setups, to be able to step up into my first senior game.
“I’m glad I was able to be there when the team needed me.
“I enjoyed the challenge and the chance to prove myself in the first team against, and with professionals.
“KG [Katie George] is an excellent mentor and I listened to her advice and backed my skills.”
The game didn’t go the way of the Sparks, and the Worcestershire-born pace bowler knows what the team need to do to be better next time.
She added: “It’s a shame to have been involved in a loss for my first game, but we can only back our skills and work hard as a team to get back to winning ways.”
Fellow Sparks player Davina Perrin, who has been an ever-present in the side since last season, presented Anderson with her cap and this was something the 19-year-old said was ‘lovely.’
Anderson said: “I wasn’t expecting Dav [Davina Perrin] to present me with my cap which was a lovely surprise.
“She’s always looked out for me when I was around the team last year and helped me to feel part of the side through the winter.
“It’s always nice to play alongside a close friend.”
As the season continues, there are at least three T20 games remaining for Anderson & co before they revert back to the 50 overs format.
Sparks’ number 45 says she hopes to be involved more as the season reaches its peak months.
She said: “I hope to be a regular in the first team and continue to train with, and learn from the professionals until I am one myself.”
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