LOUTH cricket star Arran Brindle says it would be a 'special experience' to don the Three Lions on her home club ground.
England Women will host Pakistan Women in a One Day International (ODI) at London Road on July 1 – the first of two scheduled 50-over matches between the sides.
It will be Lincolnshire's first taste of international cricket action, and with a potential appearance from Brindle, the game could even see a 2,000 sell-out.
And while the 31-year-old Louth and Sussex all-rounder is not guaranteed of selection – given that the clash is still two months away – she is eagerly awaiting the occasion.
Brindle told the Telegraph: "I have got to be picked first, but pulling on an England shirt at any time is always very special.
"To be able to share that with friends and family – who have helped me along the way – is something that I haven't yet been able to experience as a cricketer.
"I really can't wait for July, but it's not just about me bringing the England team to Louth – East Lindsey have put in a lot of work on this ground.
"They have tried really hard to bring international cricket to the area – and the Louth ground is now up to the standard needed to host these matches."
Despite this being the first ever international in Louth, the female Lions have lined-up at London Road before.
In August last year, a Royal Air Force Men's XI defeated England Women by 39 runs in a charity T20 encounter.
Batting first, the RAF totalled 156 for four before England – featuring Brindle in their team – were then dismissed for 117.
Fresh from a World Cup winter in India – where they finished a disappointing third – the Pakistan series will see the female Lions return to action after a four-month break.
Although the tourists are ranked eighth in the world – five places behind Charlotte Edwards' side – Brindle insists they shouldn't be underestimated.
She said: "Pakistan are a team of full-time cricketers, and they have shown massive improvement in the last few years.
"It will be our first game of the series against them, and we will have to be on our guard to make sure that we bring the right result to Louth and the England team."
She added: "We are happy now that the sun is out. It's nice to get back outside, especially after the break we've had following a winter of cricket – we are ready and raring to go again."
Tickets for the England-Pakistan ODI went on sale on Thursday – they can be purchased for £10 by calling Embassy Theatre Box Office on 0845 674 0505. For more information on how to pick up some of the 900 free tickets on offer to schools in the area, check out our Young Stars supplement on Tuesday.
