Scarlett strikes an unbelievable innings

When it comes to individual achievements with a cricket bat, teenager Scarlett Hughes has already set a mark that will be very difficult to surpass, even with a full career ahead of her. 

Playing in a 40-over match in the Essex Women’s Premier League, Hughes smashed her way to an astonishing 306 before retiring, as her side, Billericay Blaze, scored a mammoth total of 541/3 against Harold Wood.  

Alongside Kelly Castle, who also scored 176, Hughes and her new partner came together with the score on 55/2 and the 19 year-old conceded her display came after a night of wizardry in front of the telly.  

“I had watched Harry Potter the night before, so I was late for bed and I was caught in traffic on the way to the match and I missed the warm-up," explained Hughes. "And to top it all off I hadn't had my usual breakfast." 

"I wanted to play how I train, which focuses on hitting strong shots and using the strength I've developed in the gym. 

"I put that down to having a professional training regime with input from strength and conditioning coaches, sport psychologists and skills coaches.” 

As well as their exploits in Essex, both Hughes and Castle represented the Sunrisers in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, and after this display, it would be great to see them given a chance in The Hundred, which starts in August.