As the anticipation builds for the upcoming Meltl Shield, the final squads for both Team Europe and the British & Irish Roses have been confirmed. The 9-match series, set to be held on the 24th and 25th of August at the picturesque Roma Cricket Ground in Rome, promises to be a thrilling showcase of top-tier women's cricket.
The British & Irish Roses squad has seen a few changes in recent weeks due to player availability, but the team is now locked in and ready to compete. Notably, Jersey boasts the highest number of representatives among both sides, with five players making the cut. Analise Merritt, Charlie Miles, Trinity Smith, Grace Wetherall, and Jersey skipper Chloe Greechan, all of whom have previously featured on ECN in a 3-match ECI-W series against the Netherlands, will play crucial roles in the Roses’ campaign. Jersey Women’s head coach, Darren Thomas, emphasized the significance of this event for his players, noting the unique opportunity for them to compete alongside and against high-caliber cricketers from England, Ireland, Guernsey, and Gibraltar.
Alongside Jersey's strong contingent, the Roses squad includes four players each from England XI and Gibraltar, and two from both Ireland and Guernsey. England XI skipper Chiara Green, who led her side to victory in the inaugural Women's European Cricket Championship, is also in the squad and could potentially lead the Roses team.
On the other side, the Team Europe squad is packed with talent from across the continent. Italy and the Netherlands have the most representatives, with four players each, while Austria and Spain contribute two players each. Czechia, Estonia, Germany, and Romania each have one representative in the squad. Among the notable names is Germany's former captain, Anuradha Doddaballapur, who brings a wealth of experience to the European lineup.
Final line-ups for both teams:
The Meltl Shield, named in honor of Manuela Meltl-Weston, wife of ECN founder Daniel Weston, is not just a cricket tournament but a celebration of the growth and potential of women's cricket across Europe. Manuela Meltl-Weston shared her excitement ahead of the tournament, saying, “Myself and my family are so excited to see the game growing further and faster. Not only am I proud to have my surname on the shield, but more importantly to create platforms for the best female cricketers of today and drive the ambition of tomorrow.”
Daniel Weston, founder of the European Cricket Network, shared his excitement for the event as well: “The Meltl Shield represents a significant milestone in women’s cricket. It is thrilling to see such a diverse and talented group of players coming together for this inaugural series. We are committed to supporting and celebrating the growth of the women's game, and this event is a testament to that commitment.”
As the final preparations are made, both teams will be eager to make their mark in what promises to be a historic event for European women's cricket. With top players from across the continent ready to compete, the Meltl Shield is set to be a captivating contest that will inspire the next generation of female cricketers.