Central Sparks batter come wicket-keeper Amy Jones says it has felt ‘so good’ being back out there in a Sparks jersey since returning for the 2023 season.
Jones, who bats regularly for England as well as the Sparks returned for Lloyd Tennant’s side for their trip to Hove - a game in which they beat the Southern Vipers by seven wickets.
Since returning, the 29-year-old has fixed a firm spot at the top of the Sparks’ batting order and in doing so, posted two strong totals with bat in hand to help her side to two crucial wins; one in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, the other in the Charlotte Edwards Cup.
On her return Jones said: “I was really pleased with how it went in Hove. I felt good with bat in hand and really enjoyed being back out there with the Sparks.
“I think with the games coming round fairly quickly, momentum is huge for us. If you can get on a bit of a roll, it keeps everyone’s spirits up and confidence high.”
Jones has been batting at three since being back in the fold, and it’s a position she says she thoroughly enjoys.
Jones said: “I batted at three at Hove and Chelmsford, and that’s a role I’ve enjoyed at the Sparks for a couple of years now.
“I like how adaptable you have to be, but also it's a good chance to bat for decent periods of time.”
After a while out, Jones admitted to feeling ‘nervous’ before going in to bat in Sussex, however the nerves rapidly faded as she hit an impressive 40 runs!
Jones added: “I always want to be in the mindset of looking at the bowler and putting them under pressure. So, I have been pleased with how I have gone about my two innings thus far.
“I’ve felt confident and clear in my approach.”
Jones was a linchpin in the Sparks side at Chelmsford in the win against the Sunrisers in their T20 opener.
Sparks found themselves 59/4 at one stage in their innings, but with the batter & wicketkeeper in the middle, they stood firm.
On batting against the Sunrisers, Jones said: “When we were losing wickets, I was just thinking about keeping my intent and encouraging my partner/s at the time to do the same.”
From her two games so far, the Sparks are unbeaten. Jones & co face the Northern Diamonds next, in their second Charlotte Edwards Cup fixture. The game, due to be played at Edgbaston is going to be a great occasion and it’ll be one in which the England star will be hoping to continue the great work she has been doing with the bat, and in the field on Tuesday.
Jones added: “I’m very happy about the two wins so far. The girls are all feeling good and hopefully we can put in another good performance and entertain at Edgbaston on Tuesday.”