Pace ace Gabriella one to watch
Regular journeys south over the winter to practice and train with the Yorkshire cricket academy are beginning to pay dividends for Carlton pace bowler Gabriella Fontenla – 18 today – in a Scotland shirt.
The George Watson’s College student, in only her second T20 international, excelled with bowling figures of one wicket for 11 runs off four overs as Scotland posted an upset win over Bangladesh to make it two wins from two in the tri-series which continues tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Grange ground, Stockbridge when once again Bangladesh provide the opposition.
Gabriella’s performance earned her player of the match honours and she is well on the way to ensuring she will be one to watch when the action intensifies shortly at the women’s T20 world cup in England.
One observer highlighted significant potential of a player whose mum, Siobhan, is junior convenor at Carlton CC, on social media, saying:“Such an impressive player. Pretty certain now that she’s the quickest pacer in the side. The only thing I want to change is for Kathryn Bryce (captain) to keep a slip in place for her first 2 overs when she’s getting a sharp away movement.
“I can see why she has been fast tracked into the national side. Potentially the fastest pacer in the squad. Her discipline will improve with experience.”
Another echoed the point that there are things to work on while being convinced Scottish cricket has unearthed a diamond.
“Good pace, not great lines as of now, most of the balls are 5-6th stump wide. Bangladesh women missed connecting them due to pace! Need to be more attacking with that pace.”
” The women’s T20 world cup runs from June 12 to July 5 with Scotland drawn in a pool alongside the hosts, New Zealand (holders),West Indies, Sri Lanka and Ireland.
Schedule: v Ireland (June 13 at Old Trafford) v Sri Lanka (June 17 at Headingley), v England (June 20 at Headingley); v New Zealand (June 23 at Bristol county ground); v West Indies (June 27 at The Oval).