The Blaze
Captain: Kirstie Gordon
Head Coach: Chris Guest
2023 finish: Runners-up
2023 highest run-scorer: Tammy Beaumont (317)
2023 highest wicket-taker: Grace Ballinger (18)
The most important winter moves: The return of South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk for a full season is a significant boost. The 24-year-old took 13 wickets in just seven appearances in the competition last year, including a career-best 7-33 against Northern Diamonds.
The key issue: Having reached two domestic finals in their debut season in 2023, the Blaze lost both times. They will be desperate to repeat the feat in this competition. Will they be able to do so and deliver a winning performance on the day?
Player to look out for: Josie Groves, a 19-year-old leg-spinner who has played in an Under-19 World Cup final and is part of the Trent Rockets squad in The Hundred, took 12 wickets at an average of 20.50 in last year's competition, including 3-39 in the final.
Final note: Although The Blaze faltered in the second half of last year's 50-overs campaign, they delivered some standout performances along the way. The highlight was perhaps an away win against Southern Vipers when none of their three England players were available. The Blaze has a squad with good depth of talent, but maintaining momentum for the full season will be key.
Central Sparks
Captain: Eve Jones
Head Coach: Lloyd Tennant
2023 finish: Fifth
2023 highest run-scorer: Eve Jones (440)
2023 highest wicket-taker: Georgia Davis (27)
The most important winter moves: Justine Dunce, a New Zealand international, has joined Sparks to assist Lloyd Tennant and Dominic Ostler in the coaching set-up. There have been no player signings.
The key issue: Can the Sparks' on-field results reflect sustained investment in their playing squad and coaching staff, as well as their pre-season trip to Mumbai, as they seek the consistency required to finally bring some silverware to the West Midlands?
Player to look out for: Georgia Davis had an excellent 2023 season, which earned her selection for England A in the winter as an off-spinner. Quitting the police to become a full-time cricketer has taken her game to another level, and she could soon be knocking on the door of the senior England team.
Final note: With a talented squad and several individuals who have gained international recognition through the Sparks pathway, it is time for the team to come together and win a trophy.
Northern Diamonds
Captain: Hollie Armitage
Head coach: Dani Hazell
2023 finish: Sixth
2023 highest run-scorer: Lauren Winfield-Hill (663)
2023 highest wicket-taker: Katie Levick (24)
The most important winter moves: Veteran Australian all-rounder Erin Burns has signed an overseas contract until the start of The Hundred in July and emerging fast bowler Sophia Turner has made the move across the Pennines permanent after a short loan spell last September. The winter saw the departure of Director of Cricket James Carr.
The key issue: Will the Diamonds be able to replicate their successful 2022 season? Several key players, including Jenny Gunn and Linsey Smith, left the team after the championship, making way for a group of talented young players. It is hoped that these players are now prepared to compete against the Southern Vipers once again.
Player to look out for: Captain Hollie Armitage, who also captained England A this winter, has recently made her senior England debut. Her top-order runs will be key, while her handy leg-spinners should also contribute. She is widely regarded as one of the best captains on the circuit.
Final note: The Diamonds possess several skilled young players who can win matches, including Grace Hall, Lizzie Scott, Phoebe Turner, and Jess Woolston. But the continued excellence of local legends Lauren Winfield-Hill and Katie Levick, who finished last season as the top run-scorer and second-highest wicket-taker respectively, will be crucial to their chances of success.
SE Stars
Captain: Bryony Smith
Head Coach: Johann Myburgh
2023 finish: Third (Lost in play-off)
2023 highest run-scorer: Paige Scholfield (439)
2023 highest wicket-taker: Danielle Gregory (21)
The most important winter moves: The re-signing of South African international batter Tazmin Brits is Stars' best business of the winter. Wicketkeeper-batter Chloe Hill has made last season's loan from Southern Vipers permanent, and is one of several new arrivals that have bolstered Stars to a 21-strong squad.
The key issue: Did the longer stay of the Stars help bring greater consistency to their batting efforts last year? Will the Brits' longer stay have a similar effect? As always, there is the question of how much they will be disrupted by England call-ups.
Player to look out for: Despite being third on the tournament's wicket-takers list last term, Danielle Gregory continues to be underrated. Another young quick, Emma Jones, could also be worth keeping an eye on after returning from two years of injury.
Final note: Stars had a disappointing performance last year, partly due to their overly aggressive approach when setting or chasing targets. With Tash Farrant returning to the team and a strong bowling lineup including Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Alexa Stonehouse, and the previously mentioned Jones and Gregory, they are expected to pose a challenge to opposing batters.