"A New Era" | Franklin Excited For Women's Tier Two Opener

Stephen Franklin has described Leicestershire’s Tier Two opener against Northamptonshire this weekend as ‘a new era for Women’s cricket’.

The landmark occasion - which falls on Easter Sunday - will celebrate a resurrection of its own, following a major domestic restructure of the Women’s game ahead of the 2025 campaign. It’s a shift which excites the Foxes’ Head Coach.

“Going into anything new is exciting,” Franklin smiles. “It’s a new product, a chance for the game to make immense strides and inspire a new generation. There will be a lot of high quality on show across the competitions.”

The Foxes will play their part in history by battling the Steelbacks in 50-over action at Uptonsteel County Ground. With a winter-long preparation calendar now complete, including arduous training sessions each Saturday evening until 10 o’clock at night, Franklin believes his side are ready to hit the ground running.

“It seems like we’ve been indoors and planning for Sunday for a long time, but now it’s just around the corner, there’s obvious excitement. The past few weeks back out on the grass have been perfect for our preparation, and we can’t wait to get going.”

Leicestershire have been boosted by no fewer than nine new arrivals over the winter, with Molly Abraham, Hayley Brown, Laura Crofts, Ellie Phillips, Bethan Soloman, Francesca Sweet, Emma Thatcher, Ellen Watson, and Holly Whitfield all in contention to make their Foxes debuts this weekend.

“It’s been a long process,” admits Franklin. “A lot of players expressed an interest in playing for Leicestershire, which is great, and we’re really happy with the squad we’ve managed to assemble. There’s high competition for places and great depth in all areas, which is fantastic. It makes it difficult to select our team, but as a coaching unit that’s what we want.”

Alongside signing a host of promising young talent, Franklin highlights the significance the new cohort of senior players will play in pushing the Foxes to the next level. In particular, former Warwickshire all-rounder, Laura Crofts, Scotland wicketkeeper, Ellen Watson, and ex-Derbyshire bowler, Emma Thatcher.

“Crofty [Laura Crofts] brings a wealth of experience. Her knowledge of the game and the lessons she’ll bring from playing in the Kia Super League will be crucial to the team. Ellen brings international class and her experiences with Scotland will help add another valuable voice to our changing room.

“I’m really excited about Emma. She was the leading wicket taker in the country for the Women’s County Championship last year, so hopefully she can replicate that form for us. A left-arm seam option is gold for us and her stats demonstrate just how effective she can be.”

Led by captain Becki Brooker, Leicestershire will play eight of their nine schedule home matches at Uptonsteel County Ground this season, starting with Sunday’s showdown against the Steelbacks. The Foxes have a 100% record on Grace Road in recent years, winning six from six across the previous three campaigns.

“It’s a winning streak we hope to keep going,” says Franklin. “Playing at first-class grounds like Grace Road allows the players to play their best cricket, and that’s something we’ll be able to enjoy far more this season.

“It’ll be challenging for bowlers because scores will be higher, but if you put the ball in the right areas you’ll get your rewards. Similarly, for batters, good wickets and fast outfields mean better justice for their shots too. The standards in all departments are only going to increase.”

As the Foxes prepare to embark on a historic occasion at a fabled venue which has held some of Leicestershire’s greatest days, Franklin calls on the support of the Foxes family to spur his side onto an opening day victory at Uptonsteel County Ground.

“We’ve seen the Men’s team talk about how the crowd get them over the line in close games; we want that same impact for the Women. We encourage people from across the county to come down and support the team. It’s so important.

“Hopefully we can inspire more and more females to take up the game, whether that be a five-year-old for the first time or a 30-year-old who thought cricket wasn’t accessible to them. We want everyone to get involved.”

As Easter Sunday approaches, Leicestershire will be on the hunt for victory rather than eggs. If they can secure one, it may just be the catalyst for their most memorable season yet.

Tickets for Leicestershire Women’s historic Tier Two opener start from £1, and can be purchased online HERE.