Anya Shrubsole excited to team up with Smriti Mandhana

Shrubsole was England’s Player of the Match in the 23 July 2017 final for her six wickets, one of which was Mandhana. Now, she and the India’s opener are team-mates at Western Storm in the women’s T20 Super League, kicking off their campaign on 22 July.

Shrubsole, for one, is delighted that they’ll be sharing a dressing room while they aim to defend the title. "I'm certainly looking forward to having her on my side rather than having to bowl against her,” she told Sky Sports.

"She's had a bit of success against us for India, so I'll be glad to watch her do her thing from the dressing room and not 22 yards away with the ball in my hand.

“She's such a talented player, she's a great recruit to our side and we're looking forward to watching her impress."

The stylish Indian left-hand batter is ranked No.4 on the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Batting Rankings for Women. She’s been in good form against England this year, striking four fifties in five matches across formats against them.

Mandhana is one of two Indians in the competition in England, along with Harmanpreet Kaur, the T20I captain.

Although this is her first time at the event, she brings with her the experience of playing in the Women’s Big Bash League and captaining the Trailblazers in the first exhibition women’s T20 match alongside the IPL.

With T20 cricket the focus for all teams ahead of the ICC Women’s World T20 2018 in the Caribbean in November, the women’s Super League will be a vital part of players’ preparation.