New Milton's Charlotte Taylor set for Southern Brave match against Trent Rockets in The Hundred cricket tournament

NEW Milton’s Charlotte Taylor has been called up by Southern Brave to contest the nationwide 100-ball cricket tournament The Hundred.

The former Arnewood School pupil has now joined up with the squad for the inaugural competition, run by the ECB, at the Hilton Hotel near The Ageas Bowl with hopes of playing against Trent Rockets tomorrow (Saturday).

Taylor began her playing career at New Milton Cricket Club in the U9 boys’ team before working her way up through the age groups and joining Hursley Park CC at 14 years old.

The 27-year-old spin bowler has become a leading all-rounder for Hampshire women after a cruciate ligament almost ended her career.

Since then, Taylor received a call-up to the Southern Vipers as a late replacement. Her performances shocked many after taking an impressive 15 wickets in five matches before a player-of-the-match performance in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy final at Edgbaston, during which she delivered a career-best six wickets for 34 runs.

Taylor said: “I’m just thrilled to be involved, training with these players, and I’m hoping to learn loads. If I play any matches, it will be a bonus for me.”

Professional cricketer, World Cup winner and BBC pundit Alex Hartley picked Charlotte as one of her five to watch, telling the BBC Sport website: “Charlotte is a player who popped up from nowhere last year.

“She was not even in the Southern Vipers main squad last season, then came in as an injury replacement and later took 6-34 in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy final at Edgbaston.

“Her little off-spinners are more like little swingers, and she consistently takes wickets.”

Hartley continued: “Players may now be more aware of Charlotte and what she can do, and some may say the surprise factor may be gone, but whenever I check the scorecards, she’s always picking up wickets.

“Charlotte is still learning but is doing really well. She really epitomises the phrase one to watch. When she got player of the match in the final last year, she cried, showing what it means to her.

“One minute she had a full-time job and now plays professional cricket and signed to The Hundred. She should be so proud of what she has achieved.”