West Lancs Cricket Development Group's (WLCDG) women and girls squad are gearing up for a groundbreaking international tour which aims to advance women’s cricket both in Lancashire and the Caribbean.

Final preparations are under way in the nets as the group gets set to fly out for an action-packed nine-day tour of Barbados.

The WLCDG women and girls squad will face a Barbados XI team in a series of three matches, which will be staged at venues across the Caribbean island, in St. Andrews, St. Phillips, and St. Michael.

The touring party will include a squad of 19 players, who will also be benefitting from the expertise of two current Lancashire Thunder players — captain and wicketkeeper Elle Threlkeld, and Danielle Collins.

The Thunder players will be joining the tour in a coaching and mentoring capacity.

"This tour is a massive squad effort and a trip of a lifetime for us all," said Jemma McVey, WLCDG Women and Girls squad captain.

“We will get to see a part of the game that most grassroots players will never experience: a tour.”

Speaking about the participation of the Thunder players, she said: “I was blown away when I found out they were coming and I think some of our girls were a little star-struck at the first training session with Ellie and Dani too!

“The fact that both Ellie and Dani are willing to give up their time to support us is amazing. The game is desperate for investment and having them alongside us is massively beneficial."

Threlkeld added: “I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in, doing some coaching in the sun and spending some time with good people."

Beyond promoting women's cricket in Barbados, the tour will offer the West Lancashire squad with a one-of-a-kind cultural and competitive experience, putting their skills to the international test.

Damian Owen, chair of WLCDG, sees the tour as a catalyst for international relations in women's cricket.

He said: "This tour is going to build bridges internationally and play a pivotal role in the development of women’s cricket in Barbados.

 "We're beyond excited for our players to be a part of this invaluable cultural exchange and to forge some long-lasting ties with women and girls cricketers in Barbados. It gives all the players opportunities that they wouldn’t naturally get here in Lancashire."

The eagerly awaited tour begins on October 20 and concludes on October 29. The squad will train, play matches and take part in cultural activities during their time in the Caribbean.