FAST bowler Em Arlott is back from her first taste of State cricket in Australia – and says she is fitter than ever and raring to go as a Bear.
Arlott spent two months training with Western Australia Women and testing herself against some of the world’s best players in the Women’s National Cricket League.
The 27-year-old made a great start Down Under, claiming three wickets on debut, and said playing home games at the iconic WACA ground was a “pinch-me moment”.
“It was a two-month training camp in warm weather on grass,” said Arlott, who bagged 3/40 on debut against Australia Capital Territories (ACT) Women in Canberra. “I don’t think I’ve been in a fitter place than I am now going into a new season.
“I’m excited for the new season and looking forward to pulling on a Bears shirt for the first game. I’ll be going from playing at the WACA to Edgbaston, two of the world’s most iconic grounds, which is proper ‘pinch-me’ stuff.
“I wanted to get away for the winter to challenge myself, spend more time on grass, and work on a few technical changes. Plus, it was a great experience testing myself in four national league games.”
Arlott played two games against a South Australia Women’s side featuring Megan Schutt – who has more than 200 Australia caps – and international teammate Darcie Brown who is among the fastest bowlers in women’s cricket.
She added: “Facing Darcie Brown was one of the few times when I thought ‘if this hits me it’s going to really hurt’! It was a good challenge, though, facing some very experienced Aussies and some of the world’s best up-and-coming players.
“We came out on the right side of one game against South Australia but not the other. They were great matches, the girls didn’t stop fighting, it was an amazing team to be part of.
“The standard was ridiculously good. It shows why the Aussies are the best in the world as they are underpinned by such a quality domestic structure.
“I’ve taken a lot from the trip. A fresh perspective on how they approach cricket. The Aussie way mirrors what we’re trying to do with Bears Women, be aggressive, look to take wickets, go after runs and be the player to make a difference for the team.”
