The opportunity to play alongside World Cup winners is one few get to experience, but that’s exactly what lies in wait for one Llanelli cricketer as she prepares to make her Kia Super League debut with Western Storm.

Like 1.1million others in the UK, Claire Thomas watched on as England clinched a fourth World Cup title against India in July, captain Heather Knight lifting the trophy aloft at a sold-out Lord’s.

Anya Shrubsole was England’s heroine that day, taking 6-46 as England prevailed by just nine runs, and both her and Knight will line-up alongside Thomas when the Kia Super League kicks off next week.

Thomas and teammate Lauren Parfitt will become the first Welsh players to be involved with the tournament, and the 30-year-old can’t wait to play alongside the crème-de-la-crème of women’s cricket.

“What they have achieved is amazing, the whole interest in the women’s game has improved anyway but to have them win the World Cup is paving the way for more success in the Kia Super League,” she said.
“It inspires young girls to get involved in the game, pick up a bat and have a go.

“I watched the final, it was fantastic and the atmosphere there was absolutely amazing. It just makes you want to have a little bit of that yourself, playing for Western Storm in front of big crowds.

“It was our first training session with Heather and Anya on Tuesday. I was bowling against Heather and all I could think was ‘I am bowling at Heather Knight!’

“What they have done for women’s cricket over the last couple of the years is obviously massive, and just to be playing alongside them is an honour.

“They are so professional about everything, so I hope we can learn a lot from them.”

Thomas, a batter and spin bowler, has made 86 appearances for Wales over a 13-year-period, but Western Storm’s opening day fixture away to Southern Vipers on August 10 will mark Thomas’ first appearance in the Kia Super League.

Her new teammates finished as runners-up last season – the league’s inaugural year – but with West Indies skipper Stafanie Taylor also on their books, Thomas is confident they can go all the way this time round.

“We’re heading into this season with the plan to win the league. That’s what we have trained for during pre-season and what we will be aiming for all the way,” she said.

“I wasn’t there last year but you can tell not winning last year is still a bit raw for some of the girls, so hopefully they can use that emotion to get us over the line this year.

“It’s an honour for me to play in the Kia Super League. I’ve been playing for 20 years so to be asked to play at this level at this stage in my career is a dream come true.

“To be playing alongside some really talented girls is exciting, not daunting, so hopefully I can step up to the mark and do them all proud.”

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