A-LEVEL studies, an England Under-19s tour and a first professional cricket contract with Bears Women.
For Amu Surenkumar, the youngest member of the Bears Women’s squad, free time is at a premium.
But she is loving every minute as she pursues her dream of playing professional cricket.
That is a dream now just a month away as Bears Women prepare to make their debut at Edgbaston on 23 April.
Amu, who recently turned 18, underlined her promise alongside fellow Bear Davina Perrin with a strong showing at the Women’s Under-19s World Cup at the turn of the year.
Her three for 17 was crucial in securing a group stage win against Pakistan U19s as she dismissed both openers.
That Group B game was played in Johor, Malaysia. The following month she was back in class at Rugby School with A Level examinations in History, Politics and Economics pending.
“Balancing school and cricket has certainly kept me busy, especially since I’m in my final year,” said the all-rounder, who bowls medium pace.
“However, being a boarder at Rugby School does help and they have been very supportive, allowing me time to train and play, as have the Bears in giving me additional study time.
“The World Cup in Malaysia was amazing, a great experience and an opportunity to test myself against the best up-and-coming players in the world.
“I’m happy with how I performed. I’ve learned things and benefited from some excellent coaching, things I can bring back with me to the Bears.
“I have my exams coming up soon and then all focus will be on Bears Women and doing whatever I can to help the team have a good first season.”
Surenkumar was part of Sunrisers’ Academy from 2021-23 before making her senior debut in July 2023 and signing for Bears Women last year.
She is one of three new faces at Edgbaston alongside wicketkeeper-batter Nat Wraith, who signed from Western Storm, and left-arm wrist spinner Millie Taylor, who came through Vipers’ Academy
“I’ve loved being a Bear so far,” added Surenkumar, who plans to study law at university alongside her cricket commitments. “The team has a great group of girls, and it has created a really fun atmosphere to be a part of.
“There is a big ethos driven by the coaches to ensure that sessions are done with a purpose so that’s made pre-season super productive, and I am eager to get stuck into the season when it rolls around.
“It’s a new team with a lot of great players and I think once the season begins, it’ll be about finding my role within the squad and performing to the best of my abilities.”
Bears Women will compete for trophies on three fronts in 2025: Vitality Blast, Metro Bank One Day Cup, and for the first time a knockout competition, the Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup, featuring sides from all three tiers of the national system.
Find out more about Bears Women and buy tickets at edgbaston.com/bearswomen.
