Top-scorer Ascott hails impact of Russell's dressing-room speech after starring in Steelbacks win
12.06.26, 00:06 Updated 12.06.26, 01:39
Jeremy Blackmore
Moments after defeat to Glamorgan left their Vitality Blast campaign at a crossroads, Steelbacks Women received a blunt but galvanising message from experienced seamer Liz Russell: every game from here was a must-win.
The Steelbacks had just been outplayed by Glamorgan, a county preparing to become a fully professional Tier One side from 2027. The loss came five days after an agonising defeat to last year’s champions Middlesex in a thriller which went down to the final ball.
Batter Beth Ascott, who finished unbeaten on 39, her highest T20 score, said Russell’s words lifted the group ahead of Sunday’s clash with Leicestershire at Uptonsteel Grace Road – a match the Steelbacks won by five wickets to get their tournament back on track.
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Jeremy Blackmore is the founder and editor of The Steeler. Jeremy is a freelance cricket writer and Wantage Road regular. He has written extensively for a host of publications including The Cricketer, The Cricket Paper, Wisden Cricket Monthly and ESPNcricinfo. He also covers Northamptonshire for the ECB Reporters Network.