Bess Heath’s dynamic playing style perfectly aligns with the philosophy England’s head coach Jon Lewis envisions for the team.
The Hundred, Women’s Eliminator: Northern Superchargers vs. Welsh Fire
Location: Kia Oval
Date: Saturday, August 26
Time: 14:30 BST
Coverage: BBC Two, iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, and BBC Sounds are providing live coverage, and Sport Newes Center will supplement this with live text updates, in-game videos, and comprehensive stats on its website and app.
Sport Newes Center has been tracking up-and-coming cricket talents in its feature series “England Next Gen” during the 2023 Hundred. Northern Superchargers’ wicketkeeper Bess Heath is the latest athlete in the spotlight.
For Heath, stirring the pot and making waves is just another day at the office.
Heath hails from a family of tree surgeons, so maybe “trimming the tree branches” would be a more fitting phrase. No matter how you put it, her on-field performance is making everyone take a second look.
After a standout summer, this 22-year-old dynamo has secured a spot on England’s squad for the upcoming ODI and T20 series against Sri Lanka in September.
Her inclusion hardly raised eyebrows among those who have seen her in action with the Northern Diamonds or Northern Superchargers. The consensus over the past years has been more a question of ‘when,’ rather than ‘if,’ she’d get her big break.
“Bess Heath has earned her stripes,” noted ex-England spinner Alex Hartley in an interview with Sport Newes Center.
“She lets her performance do the talking. When the moment arrives for her to step into the starting XI, you better believe she’ll be ready.”
Born in Chesterfield, Heath debuted at the senior county level for Derbyshire just shy of her 13th birthday. And while she’s turning heads with her cricket skills, her off-the-field pursuits are equally intriguing.
Unlike many athletes with a penchant for the putting green, Heath is more at home in a garage, her hands covered in oil and grease. A car renovation aficionado, she has even built her own vehicle from the ground up. In her spare time, she assists with her family’s tree surgery business, and according to her former teammate Jenny Gunn, Heath could “craft a punching bag from sawdust if she wanted to.”
Northern Superchargers’ captain Hollie Armitage had this to say: “Bess is a true one-of-a-kind, both on and off the field.
“She has a fondness for Land Rovers and the like, bringing a unique flair to any group setting. Above all, she’s the consummate team player—a valuable addition to any squad.”
But what really has England’s selectors perking up their ears is what Heath brings to the table with her bat and gloves, particularly given the aggressive style of play promoted by head coach Jon Lewis.
According to James Carr, Northern Diamonds’ director of cricket, “She’s never one to second-guess; she always opts for the aggressive play, making her a perfect fit for this England squad.”
This summer, she scored an impressive 88 runs off 95 balls in a red-ball match for England A against Australia, followed by a few equally explosive innings in the white-ball series against Australia A.
With a hefty T20 strike-rate of 159.83 in 2023, and an average of 38.89 in 50-over cricket—along with a strike-rate of 104.08—Heath’s prospects are nothing short of promising.
“Bess is a true game-changer,” Armitage elaborates. “She can transform the scoreboard within a few balls and make a lasting impact in the shortest of stints. Imagine her potential over a longer innings.”
A specific statistic that adds another layer to her portfolio is her strike-rate against pace bowlers in T20 cricket—125.92 according to CricViz analytics—compared to her 106.40 against spinners. If she can elevate her numbers against spin, her stock for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh will surely soar.
“Bess is not just another wicketkeeper; she’s a force to be reckoned with,” adds Hartley. “She’s putting the heat on England’s established players like Amy Jones.”
Hollie Armitage confidently states, “This is just the beginning for Bess. Given her growth and the style of cricket England aims to play, I see her contributing to England’s cricket legacy for years to come.”
In a world full of stories about next-generation athletes, Heath’s blend of sporty prowess and mechanical savvy make her not just a player to watch, but a genuine phenomenon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bess Heath
Who is Bess Heath?
Bess Heath is a 22-year-old wicketkeeper who plays for the Northern Superchargers. She recently got called up to the England squad for an upcoming ODI and T20 series against Sri Lanka.
What makes her unique among cricketers?
Apart from her dynamic playing style, Heath stands out for her off-field interests, particularly her love for renovating cars. She has even built her own car from scratch and helps out with her family’s tree surgery business.
What is “England Next Gen”?
“England Next Gen” is a feature series run by Sport Newes Center during the 2023 Hundred cricket tournament. It focuses on up-and-coming players who are likely to make their way to international cricket in the next few years.
What is her playing style?
Bess Heath is known for her aggressive, all-action approach to cricket. She has a hefty T20 strike-rate of 159.83 in 2023 and has shown an ability to impact games significantly in short periods.
What do her teammates and experts say about her?
Both teammates like Hollie Armitage and experts like Alex Hartley have high praise for Bess Heath. They see her as a team player and a force to be reckoned with, respectively, who will likely contribute to England’s cricketing future.
What are her cricket stats like?
In the 2023 Hundred, her strike-rate stands at 179.55, the third highest in the women’s competition. She scored an impressive 88 runs off 95 balls in a red-ball match for England A against Australia. Her T20 strike-rate is 159.83, and she has a 50-over cricket average of 38.89 with a strike-rate of 104.08.
What is her background?
Heath is from Chesterfield and made her senior county debut for Derbyshire shortly before turning 13. She comes from a family of tree surgeons and has a keen interest in auto renovation.
How does her playing style fit with the England team’s strategy?
Her dynamic, aggressive style aligns perfectly with the vision of England’s head coach Jon Lewis, who encourages an attacking brand of cricket.
Will she be participating in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh?
It’s not confirmed, but given her recent call-up and performance, she is a strong contender to be considered for the England squad in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.
What do people say about her off-field interests?
Heath is known to be a car and Land Rover enthusiast. She brings a unique element to any group setting, and former teammate Jenny Gunn noted that Heath could “craft a punching bag from sawdust if she wanted to.”
More about Bess Heath
- Bess Heath’s Player Profile
- The Hundred Tournament 2023
- England Cricket Team Strategy
- Interview with Alex Hartley on Bess Heath
- Northern Superchargers Team Roster
- T20 World Cup 2023: Who to Watch
- Women’s Cricket Stats and Highlights
- Auto Renovation as a Hobby: More than Just a Pastime
10 comments
An all-action cricketer, a car renovator, and from a family of tree surgeons? Seriously, is there anything she cant do?
Renovating cars and vans and playing cricket at this level? The girls got talent, no doubt.
England’s cricket team’s gettin diverse, ain’t it? Love that they’re not just abt the conventional players, Bess sounds like she brings a whole new vibe.
Can she really challenge Amy Jones for the gloves? Interesting times ahead, man.
so shes from my hometown, Chesterfield represent! Looking fwd to her international games. Go Bess!
Who even thinks of making a punchbag outta sawdust? Shes like, super creative or somethin’!
Wow, Bess Heath sounds like a total badass. Cars and cricket, what a combo! Can’t wait to see her in action.
Been following her since her Derbyshire days, knew she was gonna make it big. The future’s bright for England cricket.
She loves Land Rovers? Now that’s what I call a cricketer with taste!
Those numbers tho! A strike-rate of 159.83 in T20 at age 22. Girl’s a future star, mark my words.