Taunton launched as home of women's cricket

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has launched the County Ground in Taunton, Somerset as the official home of women's cricket.

The initiative will mean that women's cricket will now have a permanent base, to assist with the management of fixtures in the women's game for both domestic and international matches.

The ground will host key events, such as the Challenge Cup and Junior Super 4s, every season and will also hold training camps for England squads.

As part of Somerset's commitment to the promotion of the game, the redevelopment work being undertaken at Taunton will incorporate suitable facilities for female athletes. The ground will also provide an office for the the South Women's Regional Cricket Manager.

Gill McConway, ECB executive director for women’s cricket said: "This is a huge step for the women’s game. To have a first class county ground wanting women’s cricket to be an integral part of their future is a definite boost.

"It’s an especially exciting time as there are stunning new development plans for the ground and to be associated with one of England’s most progressive county schemes can only benefit the game.

“It will be the first time the women’s game will have continuity in the grounds where they play, as Somerset has guaranteed us an international every year. I’m looking forward to working closely with Somerset to further develop this partnership and women’s cricket."