Abigale Emma Molly Norgrove, born on January 17, 2006, in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, is making waves in the world of cricket as England‘s captain for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025. As a right-handed batter and right-arm off-break bowler, Norgrove has quickly established herself as a promising talent in English cricket. Her journey from local leagues to international captaincy is a testament to her skill, dedication, and leadership.
A rising star in English cricket
Norgrove’s cricketing journey began at a young age, showcasing her talent early on. She made her county debut in 2019 for Oxfordshire against Wiltshire in the Women’s County Championship, where she impressed with figures of 2/12 from four overs. This performance marked the beginning of her ascent in domestic cricket. Over the years, she has participated in various competitions, including the Women’s Twenty20 Cup, where she demonstrated her all-round capabilities by being the joint-leading wicket-taker for Oxfordshire in both 2021 and 2022.
Norgrove’s dedication to the sport led her to be selected for the Southern Vipers Academy between 2021 and 2023. This opportunity allowed her to hone her skills alongside some of the best young talents in England. In August 2022, she achieved a significant milestone by scoring an impressive 136* against Northern Diamonds Academy, further solidifying her reputation as a formidable player.
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Domestic success and international experience
In July 2023, Norgrove made her debut for the Southern Vipers in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy against Sunrisers. Although she scored only eight runs on debut, she quickly found her rhythm and recorded a high score of 48 against a challenging Thunder bowling attack. Throughout the 2023 season, she played five matches for the Vipers, accumulating 83 runs with a commendable average.
Her performances caught the attention of national selectors, leading to her inclusion in England Women’s U19s tour of Sri Lanka in March 2024. During this tour, Norgrove played five matches in a tri-series against Australia and Sri Lanka, scoring a total of 84 runs with a top score of 31. This experience was invaluable as it prepared her for greater challenges ahead.
Captaincy at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup
As Norgrove steps into her role as captain for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, expectations are high. Her leadership style emphasizes positive intent and resilience—qualities that have been evident throughout her career so far. Under her captaincy, England aim to build on their past successes and foster a new generation of cricketers who can compete at the highest level.
Norgrove’s appointment as captain reflects not only her individual talent but also the trust that coaches and selectors have placed in her ability to lead a young team into international competition.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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