THERE may not be any Somerset CCC action in Taunton this week, or indeed until Friday, July 6 (when Gloucestershire are in town for the start of the T20 Blast), but cricket fans can watch England Women take on two international rivals at the Cooper Associates County Ground.

England return to Taunton for the first time since their match with Sri Lanka last July, en route to winning the Women's Cricket World Cup.

The World Cup holders take on South Africa and New Zealand in an IT20 tri-series, beginning on Wednesday, June 20.

Wednesday's action begins at 1pm, when New Zealand face South Africa, to be followed by England against South Africa from 5.40pm.

Then, on Saturday, June 23, England play twice at the County Ground, with South Africa first up at 1pm followed by New Zealand at 5.40pm.

Somerset’s Anya Shrubsole, who played the starring role in last year’s World Cup final by taking 6-46, is set to be in the hosts’ line-up on her home ground.

Before all of that, tomorrow (June 16) sees boys and girls between the ages of five and 15 train with the three international teams at the County Ground.

This free, fun cricket session for children will act as the launch event for the IT20 tri-series, and will begin at 4pm.

The full international squads from all three nations will be in attendance, and the players will help to deliver a number of fun skills, drills and matches for the youngsters who come along.

Due to the large demand for places, applications are no longer being accepted, but Somerset CCC are looking forward to a well-attended event which could inspire the next generation of cricketers.

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THE West Country's women's club side, Western Storm, are gearing up for the start of their Kia Super League defence next month.

They begin their campaign at home to Yorkshire Diamonds, on Sunday, July 22, at the County Ground.

And they are set to include new signing Smriti Mandhana in their side, the 21-year-old being the first Indian player to appear in the Super League.

The international opener has scored 826 runs, with a high score of 76, in the 40 IT20s that she has played in.

Mandhana said: "I am very excited to be playing for the Kia Super League champions.

"To be the first Indian player to appear in the tournament is a real honour and I hope that I can help Western Storm to more success."

She is the club's second overseas signing, joining New Zealand wicketkeeper Rachel Priest, who hit 72 from just 36 balls in last season's Super League final triumph.

Western Storm have also launched a new, dedicated website, making them the first Super League side to do so.