Can These Twin Cricketers Redefine the Game?

Identical twins Mary and Millie Taylor are making waves in the cricketing world, showcasing their unique talents on the field while navigating the challenges of professional sports. Known for their striking resemblance and distinct playing styles—Mary as a right-arm seamer and Millie as the only left-arm wrist-spinner in women's cricket—they have both carved out promising careers. Their journey reflects the trials and triumphs of sibling rivalry and support in the competitive landscape of cricket.

Last updated: 21 September 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Mary and Millie Taylor are identical twins, both pursuing professional cricket.
• Mary bowls right-arm seam, while Millie is a left-arm wrist-spinner.
• The sisters were separated professionally for the first time due to team restructuring.
• Millie played for Warwickshire, while Mary joined Hampshire.
• Despite challenges, they continue to support each other's careers from a distance.

A Shared Passion for Cricket

From a young age, Mary and Millie were immersed in the world of cricket, a passion that was nurtured at home and developed through local clubs. Growing up in Eastbourne, they honed their skills at the Eastbourne Cricket Club and later represented Sussex. Their early experiences were filled with friendly competition, often spurring each other on in the back garden.

Early Days: Rivalry and Unity

Mary recalls their back-garden rivalry fondly, saying, "I've always been a seamer because I've always been, 'Mills, go down there and I'll try and take your head off.'" This playful competitiveness fuelled their desire to improve, creating a foundation for their cricketing careers. Millie adds, "That's why I started out as a keeper," indicating the dynamic between them that has always revolved around pushing each other to excel.

Developing Unique Skills

Millie's decision to bowl left-arm wrist-spin came from watching their brother, Henry, who bowls right-arm leg-spin. "I just looked at it, and I was like, that must be how you play," Millie reflects, showcasing how sibling influence can shape one's sporting journey. This uniqueness in their playing styles sets them apart, both on and off the field.

The Transition to Professional Cricket

The transition from amateurs to professionals marked a significant point in their lives. After a restructuring of women's domestic cricket, Mary signed a contract with Hampshire, while Millie remained with the Southern Vipers Academy. The separation was sudden and daunting; for the first time, they faced the reality of pursuing their careers apart.

Overcoming Doubts

During the 2024 season, Mary witnessed Millie's struggles with self-doubt as she waited for her own professional opportunity. "She was travelling around the country to watch me, and there'd be days where our coaches and myself and my mum and dad would have to pick her up," Mary recalls. This support system was crucial for Millie as she navigated the uncertainty of her future.

Taking the Leap

When the offer from Warwickshire finally arrived, it meant moving 200 miles away from home, a daunting prospect for Millie. "I was like, 'is there any other option? Has a closer county offered me anything?'" she said. However, with Mary's encouragement and a thorough pros and cons list, Millie decided to embrace the opportunity, marking a significant step in her career.

Reuniting on the Pitch

After a winter of adjustment, the sisters were reunited at Birmingham Phoenix for The Hundred, the leading domestic competition. However, the excitement was bittersweet as Millie was selected for the starting XI while Mary was left on the bench. "I was absolutely ecstatic when I saw my name," Millie said, although she felt a pang of disappointment about not being able to play alongside Mary.

The Challenges of Competition

Mary's eventual inclusion in the starting XI came at a difficult time, as Millie sustained a broken finger, cutting short her first season as a professional cricketer. This injury not only affected Millie's playing time but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of professional sports. "Mum hid behind a tree when we were playing each other," Mary shared, indicating the stress that their parents experienced while watching their daughters compete.

Sibling Support Amidst Rivalry

The bond between Mary and Millie has proven resilient despite the challenges they face in their careers. While Millie's injury has put her season on hold, Mary is thriving with Hampshire, who are poised to reach the Metro Bank Women's One Day Cup final. "I made her a pros and cons list, and there were about 60 pros and about two cons," Mary states, illustrating her unwavering support for her sister’s ambitions.

A Future of Opportunities

As the sisters continue to navigate their respective careers, the rivalry that began in their Eastbourne backyard remains a driving force. Mary denies that Millie has bragging rights this season, indicating a friendly competition that continues to inspire them both. With their individual strengths and unwavering support for each other, the future looks bright for the Taylor twins in the world of cricket.

Conclusion

The journey of Mary and Millie Taylor serves as a testament to the power of sibling support and the competitive spirit that drives athletes. As they carve out their paths in professional cricket, their story exemplifies resilience, determination, and the unique bond that only twins can share. With both players committed to their craft, it will be interesting to see how their careers unfold in the coming years.

FAQs

How did Mary and Millie Taylor start playing cricket?

Mary and Millie Taylor began playing cricket at a young age, nurtured by their family and local clubs such as Eastbourne Cricket Club, where they honed their skills together.

What are the differences between Mary and Millie Taylor’s playing styles?

Mary is a right-arm seamer, while Millie is known for her unique left-arm wrist-spin bowling, making her the only professional female bowler in that style in the country.

What challenges did the Taylor twins face in their professional careers?

The twins faced challenges such as being separated when Millie moved to Birmingham to play for Warwickshire, while Mary signed with Hampshire, creating distance for the first time in their cricketing journey.

How do Mary and Millie support each other in their cricket careers?

Mary and Millie provide emotional support and encouragement to each other, sharing advice and strategies, even when they are competing on different teams.

What impact did Covid-19 have on their cricket careers?

During the Covid-19 lockdowns, the sisters kept each other motivated and match-fit, using the time to train together and maintain their passion for cricket despite the challenges.