The Hundred: Adi Birrell urges Sunrisers Leeds to take their chances
“I’m used to not winning the first match. I take at least the first two games and come back strong,” is what head coach Adi Birrell had said after SunRisers Leeds women kick-started The Hundred with a comfortable win over MI London.
The defending champions have been winless ever since.
Eleven days after The Hundred opener, the Dani Gibson-led side has touched down in Nottingham for their away match against Trent Rockets on Sunday.
With back-to-back defeats at home, a switch of venue could offer a change in fortunes for the SunRisers.
Even though Birrell was full of praise for Deepti Sharma, who has set the standards on the field, catching has been an issue for the side as they dropped match-winner Smriti Mandhana at the death in Leeds.
“I’m not going to blame them, Birrell told The Yorkshire Post.
“We do all our catching. We train hard. But you’re right, we’ve got to take the chances when they come. And that’s a big factor in the game.”
The visitors are further boosted by the return of Kate Cross, who was back in action at Headingley this week after a swift recovery from a shoulder injury.
“They broke all records,” said Birrell.
“Getting someone with a grade 2 injury back within a week. I mean, it’s just unheard of. Well done to the medical team and her positivity to want to play.”
Later in the day, Zak Crawley’s men will aim to register a hat-trick of wins when they meet Trent Rockets at Trent Bridge.
Crawley returned to form in the north derby by blasting his first half-century as captain against Manchester Super Giants.
Mitchell Marsh (63), skipper Crawley (56*) and former skipper Harry Brook (42*) have all hit top form after SunRisers’ record-breaking run-chase at home.