Anya Shrubsole takes early Blaze wickets to put Vipers in driving seat

Anya Shrubsole is poised to sign off her domestic career in style, having put Southern Vipers in a commanding position to retain their Charlotte Edwards Cup title by taking two early Blaze wickets in the final on Saturday at Worcester, before a thunderstorm forced the sides off the field.

Play was abandoned for the day at 6.08pm but a reserve day is in operation, meaning the match will resume on Sunday with the Blaze on 53 for four and 11.3 overs remaining of their innings.

Shrubsole was given a rousing round of applause by her teammates before leading them out on to the field, raising suspicions this may be her last outing in a Vipers shirt.

The 31-year-old retired from international cricket in April 2022, after a 14-year career for England, but has continued to play in regional cricket and the Hundred. She moved from Western Storm to Vipers before last season to take up a player-coach role, where she has successfully mentored the England bowlers Lauren Bell and Freya Kemp.

Fittingly, Shrubsole’s opening spell of 3-0-18-2 began with her trademark inswinging yorker, which trapped Tammy Beaumont lbw. She then forced an error from Sarah Bryce, who top-edged behind the stumps, before conceding one run off a miserly third over, as Blaze retreated into their shells.

The east Midlands side, formerly known as Lightning and based at Loughborough University, transferred to Trent Bridge at the end of last season and have gone unbeaten this season, finishing top of the table to ensure they qualified automatically for the final.

But two further wickets fell before the close – Georgie Boyce caught behind trying to cut and Kathryn Bryce was bowled by Linsey Smith – denting hopes of a title in their maiden season.

Vipers had eased