Bess Heath
{{short description|English cricketer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox cricketer
| name = Bess Heath
| female = true
| image =
| alt =
| caption =
| fullname = Bess Alice May Heath
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|2001|8|20|df=yes}}
| birth_place = Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England
| nickname =
| heightft =
| heightinch =
| heightcm =
| heightm =
| batting = Right-handed
| bowling =
| role = Wicket-keeper
| family =
| international = true
| country = England
| internationalspan = 2023–present
| onetest =
| testdebutdate =
| testdebutyear =
| testdebutagainst =
| testcap =
| lasttestdate =
| lasttestyear =
| lasttestagainst =
| odidebutdate = 14 September
| odidebutyear = 2023
| odidebutagainst = Sri Lanka
| odicap = 145
| lastodidate = 9 September
| lastodiyear = 2024
| lastodiagainst = Ireland
| odishirt =
| T20Idebutdate = 10 December
| T20Idebutyear = 2023
| T20Idebutagainst = India
| T20Icap = 60
| lastT20Idate = 24 March
| lastT20Iyear = 2024
| lastT20Iagainst = New Zealand
| T20Ishirt = 10
| club1 = Derbyshire
| year1 = 2014–2020
| club2 = Yorkshire Diamonds
| year2 = 2018–2019
| club3 = Northern Diamonds
| year3 = {{nowrap|2020–2024}}
| club4 = Yorkshire
| year4 = 2021–2024
| club5 = Northern Superchargers
| year5 = 2021–present
| club6 = Melbourne Stars
| year6 = 2022/23
| club7 = Brisbane Heat
| year7 = {{nowrap|2023/24}}
| columns = 4
| hidedeliveries = true
| column1 = WODI
| matches1 = 4
| runs1 = 59
| bat avg1 = 19.66
| 100s/50s1 = 0/0
| top score1 = 33*
| catches/stumpings1 = 3/1
| column2 = WT20I
| matches2 = 4
| runs2 = 6
| bat avg2 = 2.00
| 100s/50s2 = 0/0
| top score2 = 3
| catches/stumpings2 = 2/–
| column3 = WLA
| matches3 = 66
| runs3 = 1,582
| bat avg3 = 32.28
| 100s/50s3 = 2/11
| top score3 = 114
| catches/stumpings3 = 39/6
| column4 = WT20
| matches4 = 133
| runs4 = 1,757
| bat avg4 = 18.11
| 100s/50s4 = 0/9
| top score4 = 60
| catches/stumpings4 = 32/22
| source = https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/1307/1307868/1307868.html CricketArchive
| date = 17 October
| year = 2024
}}
Bess Alice May Heath (born 20 August 2001) is an English cricketer who currently plays for Durham, Northern Superchargers and Brisbane Heat. She plays as a wicket-keeper and right-handed batter. She previously played for Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Northern Diamonds, as well as Yorkshire Diamonds in the Women's Cricket Super League and Melbourne Stars in the Women's Big Bash League.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/player/916037.html|title=Player Profile: Bess Heath|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=26 March 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/1307/1307868/1307868.html|title=Player Profile: Bess Heath|publisher=CricketArchive|access-date=26 March 2021}}
She made her international debut for England in September 2023, in a One Day International against Sri Lanka.
Early life
Heath was born on 20 August 2001 in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
Domestic career
Heath made her county debut in 2014, for Derbyshire against Scotland.{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/599/599719.html|title=Derbyshire Women v Scotland Women, 22 July 2014|publisher=CricketArchive|access-date=26 March 2021}} In 2016, Heath hit her maiden county century, scoring 114 against Norfolk.{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/909/909431.html|title=Derbyshire Women v Norfolk Women, 4 September 2016|publisher=CricketArchive|access-date=26 March 2021}} She was Derbyshire's leading run-scorer in the 2017 and 2018 Twenty20 Cups, as well as in the 2018 Women's County Championship, where she hit 210 runs including her second county century, 108 against Northamptonshire.{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/30/NatWest_Womens_Twenty20_Cup_2017/Derbyshire_Women_Batting.html|title=Batting and Fielding for Derbyshire Women/NatWest Women's Twenty20 Cup 2017|publisher=CricketArchive|access-date=26 March 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/30/Vitality_Womens_Twenty20_Cup_2018/Derbyshire_Women_Batting.html|title=Batting and Fielding for Derbyshire Women/Vitality Women's Twenty20 Cup 2018|publisher=CricketArchive|access-date=26 March 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/30/Royal_London_Womens_One-Day_Cup_2018/Derbyshire_Women_Batting.html|title=Batting and Fielding for Derbyshire Women/Royal London Women's One-Day Cup 2018|publisher=CricketArchive|access-date=26 March 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/1050/1050205.html|title=Derbyshire Women v Northamptonshire Women, 3 June 2018|publisher=CricketArchive|access-date=26 March 2021}}
In 2021, Heath joined Yorkshire for the Twenty20 Cup. She made her debut in the second round of matches, scoring 52* off 36 deliveries against North East Warriors before rain ended the game prematurely.{{cite web|url=https://ecbwcountychampionship.play-cricket.com/website/results/4573851 |title=Yorkshire Women v North East Warriors, 3 May 2021 @ 11:00 |publisher=Play-Cricket |access-date=3 May 2021}} She played one match for the side in the 2022 Women's Twenty20 Cup, scoring 39.{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/35/Vitality_Womens_County_T20_2022/Yorkshire_Women_Batting.html|title=Batting and Fielding for Yorkshire Women/Vitality Women's County T20 2022|publisher=CricketArchive|access-date=3 October 2022}}
Heath also played for Yorkshire Diamonds in the Women's Cricket Super League in 2018 and 2019. She played 10 matches across the two seasons, scoring 46 runs with a best of 24 in a victory over Loughborough Lightning in 2018.{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/1049/1049192.html|title=Yorkshire Diamonds v Loughborough Lightning, 18 August 2018|publisher=CricketArchive|access-date=26 March 2021}}
In 2020, Heath played for Northern Diamonds in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. She appeared in all 7 matches, scoring 37 runs and taking 8 catches.{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/34/Rachael_Heyhoe-Flint_Trophy_2020/Northern_Diamonds_Batting.html|title=Batting and Fielding for Northern Diamonds/Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 2020|publisher=CricketArchive|access-date=26 March 2021}} Heath missed the beginning of the 2021 regional season due to injury.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/57441648 |title=Sarah Taylor: Northern Diamonds bring ex-England wicketkeeper out of retirement| publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 June 2021 |access-date=28 September 2021}} She returned to play for Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, making six appearances.{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=13891;team=6694;type=tournament |title=Records/The Hundred Women's Competition, 2021 - Northern Superchargers (Women)/Batting and Bowling Averages |publisher=ESPNCricinfo |access-date=28 September 2021}} She returned to the Northern Diamonds squad to play five matches apiece in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Charlotte Edwards Cup. She scored 103 runs in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, including 58* from 40 balls to help beat North West Thunder and qualify for Finals Day.{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=13890;team=6769;type=tournament |title=Records/Charlotte Edwards Cup, 2021 - Northern Diamonds/Batting and Bowling Averages |publisher=ESPNCricinfo |access-date=28 September 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/charlotte-edwards-cup-2021-1252410/thunder-vs-northern-diamonds-group-b-1252434/match-report |title=Jenny Gunn four-for, Bess Heath 58* as Northern Diamonds book spot place at Finals Day |publisher=ESPNCricinfo |access-date=28 September 2021}} She also scored two half-centuries in consecutive games in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, 78* against North West Thunder and 71 against Southern Vipers.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2021-1252263/northern-diamonds-vs-thunder-1252284/match-report |title=Bess Heath, Katie Levick to the fore as Northern Diamonds secure top-three finish |publisher=ESPNCricinfo |access-date=28 September 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2021-1252263/southern-vipers-vs-northern-diamonds-1252291/match-report |title=Georgia Elwiss books Vipers' place in final with match-seizing 84 not out |publisher=ESPNCricinfo |access-date=28 September 2021}} At the end of the 2021 season, it was announced that Heath had signed a professional contract with Northern Diamonds.{{cite web|url=https://www.ecb.co.uk/england/women/news/2312968/ecb-fund-sixth-professional-contract-at-each-womens-regional-team |title=ECB fund sixth professional contract at each women's regional team |publisher=England and Wales Cricket Board |access-date=29 October 2021}}
She played 12 matches for Northern Diamonds in 2022, across the Charlotte Edwards Cup and the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, scoring five half-centuries with a top score of 70, against Western Storm.{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=14446;team=6769;type=tournament |title=Records/Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 2022 - Northern Diamonds/Batting and Bowling Averages |publisher=ESPNCricinfo |access-date=3 October 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=14448;team=6769;type=tournament |title=Records/Charlotte Edwards Cup, 2022 - Northern Diamonds/Batting and Bowling Averages |publisher=ESPNCricinfo |access-date=3 October 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2022-1297659/western-storm-vs-northern-diamonds-1297950/match-report |title=Hollie Armitage century sets up Diamonds for record-breaking victory |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=3 October 2022}} She also scored 44 in the final of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, as Diamonds won their first title.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2022-1297659/northern-diamonds-vs-southern-vipers-final-1297956/match-report |title=Lauren Winfield-Hill, Linsey Smith to the fore as Northern Diamonds break duck in thrilling final |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=3 October 2022}} She played six matches for Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, and scored one half-century, 57 from 34 deliveries against London Spirit.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/the-hundred-women-s-competition-2022-1299144/northern-superchargers-women-vs-london-spirit-women-5th-match-1299149/match-report |title=Northern Superchargers squeeze out London Spirit after Bess Heath fifty |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=3 October 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=14454;team=6694;type=tournament |title=Records/The Hundred Women's Competition, 2022 - Northern Superchargers (Women)/Batting and Bowling Averages |publisher=ESPNCricinfo |access-date=3 October 2022}} In 2023, she scored 286 runs in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, at an average of 40.85 and with a strike rate of 133.02.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/averages-batting-bowling-by-team/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2023-15157?team=6769 |title=Records/Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 2023 - Northern Diamonds/Batting and Bowling Averages |publisher=ESPNCricinfo |access-date=5 October 2023}} She also scored 92 runs at an average of 15.33 in The Hundred.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/averages-batting-bowling-by-team/the-hundred-women-s-competition-2023-15217?team=6694 |title=Records/The Hundred Women's Competition, 2023 - Northern Superchargers (Women)/Batting and Bowling Averages |publisher=ESPNCricinfo |access-date=5 October 2023}} At the end of the season, she was nominated for the PCA Women’s Young Player of the Year award.{{cite web|url=https://www.thepca.co.uk/press-release/cinch-pca-awards-shortlists-announced/ |title=cinch PCA Awards shortlists revealed |publisher=Professional Cricketers' Association |date=26 September 2023 |access-date=5 October 2023}} In 2024, she played 17 matches for Northern Diamonds, across the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Charlotte Edwards Cup, scoring four half-centuries.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/averages-batting-bowling-by-team/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2024-16243?team=6769 |title=Records/Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, 2024 - Northern Diamonds/Batting and Bowling Averages |website=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=17 October 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/averages-batting-bowling-by-team/charlotte-edwards-cup-2024-15944?team=6769 |title=Records/Charlotte Edwards Cup, 2024 - Northern Diamonds/Batting and Bowling Averages |website=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=17 October 2024}}
In October 2022, Heath signed for Melbourne Stars for the opening matches of the 2022–23 Women's Big Bash League season, as an international replacement player for Jemimah Rodrigues.{{cite web|url=https://www.melbournestars.com.au/news/wbbl-squad-vs-heat-and-sixers/2022-10-14 |title=Stars Name Squad for Heat and Sixers |publisher=Melbourne Stars |date=14 October 2022 |access-date=14 October 2022}} She played seven matches for the side that season, scoring 128 runs at an average of 21.33 with a high score of 37.{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=14818;team=5637;type=tournament |title=Records/Women's Big Bash League, 2022/23 - Melbourne Stars Women/Batting and Bowling Averages |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=2 December 2022}} She played for Brisbane Heat in the 2023–24 Women's Big Bash League season, scoring 171 runs including one half-century.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/averages-batting-bowling-by-team/women-s-big-bash-league-2023-24-15588?team=5635 |title=Records in Women's Big Bash League, 2023/24 / Brisbane Heat Women Batting and Bowling Averages |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=18 December 2023}}
International career
In August 2023, Heath was called up to her first England squad, for their series against Sri Lanka.{{cite web|url=https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/3638486/england-women-name-squads-for-sri-lanka-odi-and-it20-series |title=England Women name squads for Sri Lanka ODI and IT20 series |publisher=England and Wales Cricket Board |date=18 August 2023 |access-date=18 August 2023}} She made her One Day International debut in the final match of the series, on 14 September 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-women-in-england-2023-1336069/england-women-vs-sri-lanka-women-3rd-odi-1336085/live-cricket-score |title=3rd ODI, Leicester, September 14, 2023, Sri Lanka Women tour of England |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=14 September 2023}} In December 2023, she was awarded a development contract by the England and Wales Cricket Board.{{cite web|url=https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/3807633 |title=England Women 2023/24 Central Contracts announced |publisher=ECB |date=4 December 2023 |access-date=4 December 2023}} She also made her Twenty20 International debut in December 2023, against India.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-women-in-india-2023-24-1406061/india-women-vs-england-women-3rd-t20i-1406075/full-scorecard |title=3rd T20I, Wankhede, December 10, 2023, England Women tour of India |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=18 December 2023}} She was named in the England squad for the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup.{{cite web|url=https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/4097654/england-women-squad-named-for-icc-womens-t20-world-cup-2024|title=England Women squad named for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024|publisher=England and Wales Cricket Board|accessdate=3 October 2024}} Heath was also among the line-up for the T20 part of their multi-format tour to South Africa in November 2024,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/articles/clygdlp338po|title=Uncapped Bouchier and Kemp in England Test squad|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=9 November 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wisden.com/cricket-news/england-drop-alice-capsey-for-south-africa-t20is-include-two-uncapped-players-for-test|title=England drop Alice Capsey for South Africa T20Is, include two uncapped players for Test match|publisher=Wisden|accessdate=9 November 2024}} but withdrew after suffering a fractured thumb.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/articles/c86qzlyw396o|title=Smale & Macdonald-Gay join England in South Africa|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=26 November 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/4176506/england-women-squad-update-seren-smale-and-ryana-macdonaldgay|title=England Women squad update: Seren Smale and Ryana MacDonald-Gay|publisher=England and Wales Cricket Board|accessdate=26 November 2024}}
She was named in the England squad for the 2025 Women's Ashes series in Australia.{{cite web|url=https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/4190158/england-women-name-squads-for-2025-womens-ashes|title=England Women name squads for 2025 Women’s Ashes|publisher=England and Wales Cricket Board|accessdate=25 December 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/articles/c4gleywzv9ro|title=Cross back as England name Women's Ashes squad|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=25 December 2024}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{cricinfo|id=916037}}
- {{cricketarchive|id=1307868}}
{{England Squad 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup}}
{{Durham women's cricket team squad}}
{{Northern Superchargers squad}}
{{Brisbane Heat WBBL squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Heath, Bess}}
Category:Cricketers from Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Category:English women cricketers
Category:England women One Day International cricketers
Category:England women Twenty20 International cricketers
Category:Derbyshire women cricketers
Category:Yorkshire women cricketers
Category:Yorkshire Diamonds cricketers
Category:Northern Diamonds cricketers
Category:Northern Superchargers cricketers
Category:Melbourne Stars (WBBL) cricketers