England Women wicketkeeper-batter Sarah Taylor believes the 2014 Royal London One-Day Cup will act as the perfect platform for unearthing new talent.
The competition, formerly known as the Women’s County Championship, boasts 34 county sides from across the country and gets under way tomorrow.
Defending champions Sussex, skippered by Taylor, kick off their campaign at home to Essex tomorrow before facing Warwickshire the following day.
London-born Taylor believes the format will be vital to England’s hopes of bolstering their ranks with new performers.
She toldecb.co.uk: “I think it’s a good time for us as cricketers, England players and the girls coming through.
“It’s a time to showcase what you are all about to the England selectors. There is a few new players that have come out of nowhere, which is brilliant.
“It is a good opportunity for the younger ones.”
Less than 48 hours to go before the Women start the season off at Hove, remember entry FREE so come along & support pic.twitter.com/AYnBRztkAb
— Sussex Womenscricket (@SussexWCA) May 2, 2014
The 24-year-old deputised for the injured Holly Colvin, who has since opted to take a break from the game, at the end of last season and led her side to a record sixth title.
Promoted from vice-captain to take on the role on a full-time basis, Taylor is now looking forward to the start of the tournament.
She added: “Holly was captain last year and it was nice to be vice-captain. She got injured towards the end of the season and decided she would like to hand over the reins.
“I think she knew she was going to have some time off so she let me do it.
"It went pretty well and we ended up winning the championship so they offered it to me after the end of the season.
"I would have been stupid to say 'no'. I have the backing of all the other girls so I think they are happy with the decision.
“I have captained in boy’s regional cricket a few years ago, but in terms of women’s I haven’t done too much.
“I absolutely loved it last year; it was really good fun. I had Holly and Arran (Brindle) to work with last year and they were brilliant. I’m looking forward to it and ready for it to start now.”