Taking cricket around the world: UKAF women's team set off for historic tour to Nepal

The UK Armed Forces women's cricket team enjoyed a final training session prior to their historical tour to Nepal.

The visit will be the first time the military representative outfit has travelled to the Himalayan country and a packed itinerary will see the side take on teams in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan.

Cricket for females in the country is flourishing, and the local opposition will provide UKAF with challenging fixtures.

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According to UKAF skipper, Army captain Connie Cant, the time is right to tour Nepal, especially given the strong ties with the British Forces. 

She said "Nepal actually have a really, strong women's set up. They've had it since 2007 and it's a very popular sport over there. It's a place that's very interesting and it's got good links with the British Military. So, it made sense we go and emphasise women's sport in that area."

All three Services will be represented on the trip. UKAF vice-captain for the tour is RAF skipper, Corporal Molly Rebanks. The Coningsby-based mechanical aircraft technician said the tour presents a great chance for the tri-Service side to show what they can do as one team.

"It's a really exciting opportunity to get people from each Service all to come together and put out a really strong side, and it's nice to see how we all complement each other"

UKAF know conditions will be challenging as they face opposition drilled in the art of spin bowling but inspired by the England team at the ICC Women's World Cup, they hope to adapt to an unfamiliar playing environment. 

Rebanks, who represented Lancashire as a junior but now plays minor County cricket with Lincolnshire, said "England Women are over in Sri Lanka and India at the moment, so, just the conditions are so much different and how spin compares to pace bowling affects the game and what is the go to method of attack."