With the top tier of Metro Bank One Day Cup women's competition launching tomorrow - and with it the first sighting of the new professional women's county structure - Alice Davidson-Richards believes Surrey’s growing ‘one-club’ mentality will pay huge dividends during an exciting summer of cricket.
With the women’s team now operating as full-time professionals, Davidson-Richards says both on-field performance and off-field unity are set to rise.
“There’s a lot of cross-over (with the men’s team), especially with us using the same facilities and being around each other at the same time,” she says. “It feels like one club, one team, and it’ll be great to see that come to fruition in the summer when we’re both playing and able to support and help each other along the way.”
She adds: “We’re stronger as one team rather than as two separate entities. Even just coming into Surrey and learning what drives the men’s team has been beneficial.
“I know our captain, Bryony Smith, has spoken a lot with Rory Burns about different aspects of leadership. There’s also been a lot of cross-over with the coaches, and discussions to make sure we’re all driving toward the same goals.”
The introduction of full-time contracts across the women’s squad has also been another step forward, says the 30-year-old England international. “Everyone’s so excited to be part of this,” she says, “and it’s already paying off.”
She adds: “Seeing how much players have improved over the last few months has been incredible. It’s great to watch their progression and to see them fully focus on training without having to juggle other commitments.”
For Davidson-Richards, the goals are simple: to play as many games as possible, “make a positive impact in each one,” and help to inspire young girls across England and Wales to become the next generation of female cricketers.
“When I was growing up, I wasn’t really aware of women’s cricket,” she says. “I grew up watching men’s Test cricket because that was what was on TV. But the other day, I went to watch women’s rugby – Bristol vs Loughborough – and I saw Ilona Maher in action. Being on the other side, as a fan, made me realise the kind of impact we can have as players.
“It’s about being a good person and setting the right example. Just be a good egg. The impact you can have just by doing that is incredible.”
There has never been a better time for Davidson-Richards and her team-mates to set that example. As the profile of women’s cricket continues to explode, opportunities are everywhere.
Now, she says, she wants to see fans initially pulled into women’s cricket through The Hundred to start to experience other formats of the game.
“That’s the whole point of these competitions – to bring in new fans,” she says. “If we can transition them from The Hundred to double-header T20s or other formats, it only benefits the game and helps it grow. Playing at venues like the Kia Oval will also attract different audiences, and both formats can feed off each other in a really positive way.”
Women’s football is the ultimate example of success, says Davidson-Richards.
“I know a lot of work is being done behind the scenes to learn from (football) clubs that have successfully grown their fan base. Whether it’s through social media, marketing, or other initiatives, there’s a lot to take from football’s example. When you see women’s football drawing 50,000 fans at stadiums like the Emirates, it’s a great learning opportunity.”