TORQUAY & Kingskerswell have recruited some international talent to kick-start girls’ and ladies cricket at the club.

While a number of clubs in the Torbay and South Devon region already have thriving girls’ and women’s teams playing matches, Torquay & Kingskerswell are lagging behind.

Torquay & Kingskerswell officials hope the arrival of Zimbabwean under-19 international Adel Zimunu is the catalyst that will promote women’s and girls’ cricket at the club.

Adel, who is 20, is with Torquay & Kingskerswell for the rest of the season in a dual playing and coaching capacity.

Saturday afternoons are match days – Adel has been scoring runs and taking wickets in the men’s third team – and weekday evenings are for coaching.

Simon Rice, the T&K official working closely with Adel, said: “Although we have some girls playing in our junior section, we don’t have a ladies team ... yet.

“We realised just how late we were ‘to the party’ when we hosted a festival and saw what other clubs had!

“We are looking to attract lady players aged 12 and over with the aim of getting a couple of teams started so we can compete in league matches.

“Ladies cricket is something the club are keen to invest in. By bringing in a dedicated coach just for them we hope it will generate some traction.”

Adel started playing eight years ago for her hometown team Bindura and was quickly talent spotted as one to watch.

Zimbabwe picked Adel in their squad for the 2023 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, which was held in neighbouring South Africa. Since then Adel has graduated to the full national squad.

Adel approached an agent looking for the chance to broaden her cricket experience overseas, which led to the opportunity to join Torquay & Kingskerswell and get into coaching.

“Since I arrived I have done an ECB coaching course as a first step and will do more courses when I go home,” said Adel.

“As well as coaching women and girls I have also been coaching one of the boys’ teams.

“Thursday night (6-8pm) is our women and girls’ night. Everyone welcome, from beginners to anyone who has played before and wants to get back into the game.”

Check out the Torquay & Kingskerswell CC website for more information about women’s and girls’ training nights.