Southern Vipers
Captain: Georgia Adams
Head Coach: Charlotte Edwards
2023 finish: Winners
2023 highest run-scorer: Georgia Adams (546)
2023 highest wicket-taker: Georgia Adams (20)
The most important winter moves: Freya Davies has joined the fast bowling unit after losing her England contract. Charli Knott, an Australian spin bowling all-rounder, has been recruited for the majority of the summer following an eye-catching WBBL series.
The key issue: Will they be able to win it again? The summer of 2023 was challenging despite winning the double, due to England availability. In 2024, their squad depth will likely be tested once again, but they are still expected to be the favourites to achieve their fourth RHFT success out of five.
Player to look out for: Mary Taylor made a name for herself last year by taking 14 RHFT wickets, a feat surpassed by only four pace bowlers. She is tall, bowls with good pace, and has the ability to expose batters. During the winter, she trained with England Under 19s, alongside fellow Vipers Ava Lee and Abi Norgrove.
Final note: The Vipers has reached the final in nine out of the 11 competitions they have participated in, winning six of them. Additionally, they have developed numerous players for England, with 11 current Vipers having worn an England shirt at some point this winter. As such, 2024 should be a victory lap for the Vipers, cementing their status as the undisputed queens of the KSL and regional eras.
Sunrisers
Captain: Grace Scrivens
Head Coach: Andy Tennant
2023 finish: Fourth
2023 highest run-scorer: Grace Scrivens (398)
2023 highest wicket-taker: Jodi Grewcock/Eva Gray (14)
The most important winter moves: The Sunrisers has successfully achieved their top priority of retaining last year's squad and have also promoted seam prospect Charley Phillips from their Academy programme. Additionally, Australian bowler Nicola Hancock has been signed for the first six games of the tournament.
The key issue: After finally winning their first 50-over match last season, Sunrisers went on to win five more, including four consecutive victories to end the campaign. Will they be able to continue their winning streak?
Player to look out for: Jodi Grewcock, a teenager, had a breakthrough tournament in 2023. She became a consistent top-order batter and regularly took wickets with her leg-breaks. Her experience gained on England Under-19s’ recent Sri Lanka tour can only benefit Sunrisers.
Final note: Sunrisers have proven themselves as a competitive team. Expectations may be higher than in previous years, but with their players a year older and wiser, and now captained by star all-rounder Grace Scrivens on a permanent basis, Sunrisers should feel optimistic about winning more often than losing, and maybe even breaking into the top three.
Thunder
Captain: Ellie Threlkeld
Head Coach: Chris Read
2023 finish: Seventh
2023 highest run-scorer: Ellie Threlkeld (287)
2023 highest wicket-taker: Olivia Bell (14)
The most important winter moves: Chris Read, former England men's wicketkeeper, has taken over as head coach, replacing Paul Shaw. During the competition, Australian top-order batters Katie Mack and Georgia Voll will share overseas duties. Mack will start and finish the campaign, while Voll, who also bowls useful off-spin, will play four games in the middle.
The key issue: With just nine wins from 34 matches in four seasons, the Thunder have struggled in the competition. However, a growing squad has shown signs of progress. Can they consolidate that progress with success this year, and can Read provide the missing ingredient?
Player to look out for: There are several candidates for this tag, but Olivia Bell, a Scotland off-spinner born in Stockport, made a breakthrough in senior cricket last season. She claimed 25 wickets in 11 regional appearances, including 14 in four in this competition. She signed her maiden professional contract with Thunder this winter.
Final note: Although Thunder only won three times in the previous season's competition, their run to Finals Day in the Charlotte Edwards Cup has given the squad immense belief that they can be a force to be reckoned with this season. The new coach, Read, and highly-rated captain, Ellie Threlkeld, have shifted the emphasis from progression to performance.
Western Storm
Captain: Sophie Luff
Head Coach: Trevor Griffin
2023 finish: Eighth
2023 highest run-scorer: Fran Wilson (404)
2023 highest wicket-taker: Chloe Skelton (14)
The most important winter moves: Amanda-Jade Wellington, an Australian international, has been recruited to provide valuable expertise to a young squad. The 26-year-old spinner has prior experience with English conditions, having played for Southern Vipers in 2019, and will be available for the entire season.
The key issue: Can Will Storm's team of talented yet inexperienced players convert their occasional outstanding performances into consistent week-to-week victories, necessary to turn last season's near misses into regular wins?
Player to look out for: Emma Corney had a breakthrough season in 2023, establishing herself at the top of the order and scoring 296 Trophy runs at an average of 29.6. It is expected that she will continue to improve and provide a solid batting platform for Devon.
Final note: Storm will once again be without star players Heather Knight, Dani Gibson, and Lauren Filer, who will be busy with England for much of the season. Although new signing Wellington will make a difference, the team's potential may be limited by their relative lack of experience when it comes to competing for honours.