CRICKET-MAD girls in Somerset can win a chance to train with England Women ahead of the Ashes this summer.

To celebrate International Women's Day, the ECB has teamed up with the nine First-Class counties hosting international women's cricket this year to launch the #HeathersPride competition.

Fronted by England and Western Storm captain Heather Knight, the competition is open to girls aged between seven and 11, from across the country.

To find the 11 winners, the nine counties hosting England Women’s matches this summer will each select one winner from their county who has explained to them why they deserve the chance to be a member of #HeathersPride.

The remaining two winners will be selected from across England and Wales by Knight herself, as ‘Captain’s Picks’.

England skipper Knight commented: “International Women’s Day is a great moment to reflect on the progress of women’s and girls’ cricket.

“We’ve made so much progress over the last few years and we want to keep moving forward.

“At the very top we’re pushing towards more depth and having more professional players, while it’s amazing that more and more girls are playing the game through initiatives like All Stars.

“Chance to Shine also celebrated introducing cricket to its two millionth girl this week.

"It’s exciting to think of how many girls are now choosing cricket.

“Some of the best moments from our win in the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup was seeing young girls imitate us on the sidelines, and hopefully many more will be inspired by this competition to become part of #HeathersPride.

"I can’t wait to see all the winners in the summer!”

Entries will be made via social media (using #HeathersPride), via email (supporters@ecb.co.uk) or by visiting the Somerset County Cricket Club website, with the competition closing on May 1.

Taunton is to stage its first ever Women's Ashes Test this summer, with England taking on Australia at the Cooper Associates County Ground from July 18.