Brinsden's first-team debut highlights strength of Lancashire & Cumbria links
Lancashire Cricket’s latest academy graduate is all-rounder Olivia Brinsden. She made her first-team debut on Sunday at Neston Cricket Club against Bucks Cricket in the Vitality County T20 Cup.
The 20-year-old has been a part of Lancashire’s academy since Under-14s, as one of the inaugural academy cohorts, a team she has even captained. She has also played representative cricket for Cumbria, where she grew up, making her the first female academy graduate from the region.
Initially, Brinsden came through Cumbria’s County Age Group set-up, representing her local county from Under-13s all the way up to Under-18s. She’s also played for Cumbria’s first team alongside her time in Lancashire’s academy.
Cumbria players are observed through their County Age Group pathway, with several players having attended sessions at Emirates Old Trafford as part of our Thunder Observation sessions. Players can progress onto our Emerging Player Programme (EPP) and subsequently Academy group, whilst representing Cumbria Women’s Tier 3 team, just as Brinsden has done over the last few years.
Brinsden made an excellent impression with the ball on her debut at Neston. After receiving her cap from fellow fast bowler Tara Norris, she finished with figures of 1-11 from her four overs, bowling with impressive pace and bounce.
It is not just Lancashire and Cumbria who have noticed the ability of the 20-year-old. She was part of England Under-19s T20 World Cup squad last January, alongside the likes of Davina Perrin and Tilly Corteen-Coleman.
The all-rounder is an excellent example of the success this link between Lancashire and Cumbria can have. It allows some of the best talents from the region to have the chance to progress their game at Emirates Old Trafford whilst playing Tier 3 cricket, thus benefitting Cumbria who get a player with the talent of Brinsden.
That spell on debut showcased exactly why Lancashire and Cumbria have invested in Brinsden’s talent, what the partnership between the two counties represents, and why it is so important in the game.
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