As Canterbury prepares to host the sold out Women’s T20 international on Saturday between England and New Zealand, Kent’s Head of Women’s Cricket Lucy Arman has been talking to KSN about an exciting week for the women’s game at the St Lawrence Ground. 

“It is really exciting for all of us at Canterbury to be hosting the England women’s team again as they make their final preparations for the World Cup next month,” Arman told us this week.

“It’s always great to have the England women playing at the St Lawrence Ground, not just from the inspiration it gives to those of us at the ground, but as big as this is for us as a County, we are really doing our utmost as to showcase what women’s sport is all about with Kent cricket and the weekend for us is a really big one in the calendar!” 

Not only is the T20 international at Canterbury this weekend, but Bank Holiday Monday also sees the Kent Horses take on the Sussex Sharks from 10.30am in the morning which will be followed by the Spitfires against the Sussex men from 3:30pm. 

“On top of that, we’re also part of the double header with the men on the Friday at Lords before the Saturday and the Monday, so to have England with us on the Saturday, everyone is really excited who is involved.” 

“The Bank Holiday will be an exciting day for us all and we have sold a lot of tickets already. We know that at the start of our games we will only get our “regulars” but as the day wears on, we end up in front of nearly what the men play in front of.”

“I do have to say that last year, the double header did increase the numbers who saw the women play and help get behind them. In all honesty, our women have never been used to the crowds!”

“A big thing with us is that traditionally the county members have supported men’s cricket whilst we have a handful of really passionate members doing as much as they can to get the message across to as many of the members and I feel nothing but real appreciation for those people!”

“We know that it is going to take time – we are starting a new domestic journey here for our women’s team so the more that we are playing at the St Lawrence Ground and Beckenham, I think that members will see us more around the Club which I think is important for us!” 

The Horses go into Holiday Monday’s game (which will be their third in the competition) with the Sharks having been beaten by six wickets in Sussex on the One Day Cup three weeks ago thanks in some way to Coco Streets’ unbeaten 104.

“She’s been our star so far with the batting, but overall, there has been big progress in our batting this season across the squad. Last year our run rate was very low, and we were losing wickets early doors, but at the moment we are in a good spot with our batting this year!” 

“2025 was certainly a massive learning curve for us – from my point of view the new structure was going to be a massive learn for everyone. The players were excited but there were so many things that we learned on and off the pitch last year, and talking from my role, I can definitely say that it’s not just what happens on the field, it is about learning as a whole Club and how we develop and get our women’s cricketers recognised as much as the men’s team!” 

“Also, to host the T20 World Cup this year is going to be something special for our game. For us to have a couple of our pathway players involved in the squad, looking ahead it makes the future really encouraging for all of us here at Kent as well.”