Central Sparks captain Eve Jones insists the side will take things ‘game by game’ as they return to action with the final block of Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy games this week.
Sparks captain, Jones, who has been an ever-present in the side this season, scoring runs consistently, recognises the team weren’t at their best during the Charlotte Edwards Cup this season, but have put themselves in a good position in the 50 overs table to do something special in the second half of the season.
The break that came for the side after their T20 journey came to an end was a welcome one, and the Sparks number 11 admits it came at the ‘right time.’
Jones said: “Yeah, we are obviously disappointed with how our T20 campaign went, so I think the break came at the right time for us. It allowed most players to get away and refresh themselves.
“We are all ready for another big block of games now. I had last week off which I managed to get away for the week for some sun which was nice.”
Now that Lloyd Tennant’s side have been back in training for a week, they also completed a warmup fixture against the Sunrisers and that’s something Jones is happy with.
She added: “The warmup game was a good run out for us, with the game going the full 100 overs. All our batters spent some good time in the middle, and bowlers got overs under their belts.
“Tuesday was very beneficial, we wanted to stamp our mark and play it like a proper match, rather than a warmup game which it was, and we did.
“We put into practice a lot of the stuff we have spoken about in our halfway review which was pleasing to see.”
The warmup game saw Jones put up (115) and back up a score of (101) she achieved in a game for the England A side in a warmup game against Australia A earlier this month.
The Sparks skipper said: “It was nice to contribute and be able to play with freedom. I have high standards for myself and always want to contribute to winning games for Sparks whatever that role may be.”
Moving onto Sunday, the Sparks host Thunder at New Road in their return to competitive action. The last time Jones & co played at Worcestershire’s home, Thunder beat them to all but end the Sparks’ T20 campaign.
The side are determined to write those wrongs and make a good start as they get back stuck into the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.
Jones added: “We always seem to have good, competitive games with Thunder, and have been disappointed not to get over the line against them this year.
“We’ll be looking to turn that around this weekend at Worcester.
“We are mid table in the 50 overs comp and have played some really good cricket this year.
“We’re all aware of how important it will be to start back well this weekend. This is a competition we want to go all the way in, and I believe the talent we have in the dressing room is capable of doing that.
“We’ll take it game by game.”
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