Bright all-rounder prospect Niamh Holland believes London Spirit’s one-club mentality will propel her career to new heights this summer.
The 19-year-old is embarking on her second year in The Hundred and knows her confidence has sky-rocketed over the past 12 months.
Holland is nestled into a squad of strong cricketing pedigree – Grace Harris, Heather Knight and Meg Lanning are just three names who Holland is taking tips from.
Spirit got their campaign underway by defeating 2023 champions Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl, a ground they had beforehand only been defeated at once in three years.
“That’s pretty special beating the reigning champs,” Holland said. “They call it the fortress there for a reason so we’re very happy to win against them.
“I feel a lot more confident this year, I was very much a beginner with The Hundred last year and I feel thankful for the opportunity to be back at London Spirit.
“We’ve got two teams and one club and both thrive off each other which is what helps us get over the line.
“It’s been so weird being in the squad with people like Meg Lanning, people who I’ve been watching on the TV since I was young.
“I’ve been getting a few tips and tricks here and there but I think we’ll get back into the tournament and being a bit more confident.”
It is not just the domestic scene where Holland is finding her feet and holding her own.
In 2023, she caught the eye of all involved at the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, playing in six matches on England’s run to the final before they fell to India.
An enviable hit of 59 against Zimbabwe laid down a marker for Holland who is using this summer as a tool to achieve her dreams of one day making England’s senior squad.
“I think I’ve matured a lot in the way I play which is important when you come up against tough opposition, it’s crucial,” she said.
“The main aim is to play for England, that’s all I think about, it’s just enjoying the process at the moment and taking one step at a time, seeing where that takes me.
“It’s really exciting to see things like The Hundred and the WPL in the women’s game – it’s really broadening people’s horizons to see that is possible.
“It’s important that these things happen so that we can push the women’s game and men’s game forward.”
KP Snacks is the Official Team Partner of The Hundred. Through their Everyone In campaign, they are on a mission to inspire and enable more families & communities to get more active through cricket and create more opportunities for people to get involved and have a healthier lifestyle through the sport. To find your nearest pitch, head to www.everyonein.co.uk
