Sarah Bryce, the younger sister of Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce, has been making waves in the world of women's cricket. Born in Edinburgh, Sarah's journey to becoming a top-order batter and wicket-keeper is a testament to her dedication and talent. This article delves into her remarkable career, highlighting her achievements and the challenges she has faced.
Early Beginnings
Sarah Bryce's love for cricket began at a young age. She attended George Watsons College in Edinburgh, where she played hockey for the school's 1st XI and cricket for both the boys' and girls' 1st XI. Her natural talent and enthusiasm for the sport soon led her to join the Wildcats team, making her debut against Somerset in 2015 at just 15 years old.
Her rapid rise to prominence was marked by her impressive performance in the global T20 qualifiers in Thailand later that year. She gained her first international cap against Papua New Guinea and quickly established herself as a valuable asset to the Scottish team.
International Breakthrough
Sarah's breakthrough tournament came in Essex, where Scotland qualified for the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier in Sri Lanka in early 2017. During this tournament, she scored 109 runs and proved to be a handy wicket-keeper. Her performances did not go unnoticed, as she was named the leading run-scorer for Scotland in the World Twenty20 Qualifier in 2018 with 162 runs in five matches.
Following her impressive run-scoring, Sarah was named as the rising star of Scotlands squad by the International Cricket Council (ICC). This recognition further solidified her position as a key player in the team.
Leadership Roles
In August 2019, Sarah was named as the captain of Scotlands squad for the Netherlands Womens Quadrangular Series. This leadership role showcased her maturity and strategic thinking on the field. Later that year, she was also named in the ICCs womens global development squad playing in a 5-match series in Australia.
When back at home in Edinburgh, Sarah plays club cricket for Watsonians. Her commitment to both national and club cricket demonstrates her passion for the sport and her dedication to improving her skills.
Musical Talents
Outside of cricket, Sarah is heavily involved in music. She plays both viola and piano and is part of several choirs, bands, and orchestras. This multi-faceted talent highlights her diverse interests and abilities.
Currently studying for advanced highers, Sarah is planning a gap year prior to heading to university. This period will allow her to focus on her studies while also continuing to develop her cricket skills.
Recent Performance at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup
As of October 13, 2024, Sarah Bryce is participating in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup alongside her sister Kathryn and the rest of the Scotland team. In their match against England, Sarah has been instrumental in laying a solid foundation for Scotland's innings. She has been batting well, scoring crucial runs and contributing significantly to the team's score.
The Bryce sisters have been leading Scotland with determination and skill. Their partnership on the field has been impressive, with Sarah Bryce scoring 23 runs off 24 balls and Saskia Horley contributing 10 runs off 20 balls as of the end of the fifth over.
The Scotland women's cricket squad carries a banner with them at all times during their travels, a custom that originated in 2019 when all past players were gifted a cap. This banner serves as a symbol of their history and dedication to the sport.
Reflecting on her beginnings, Sarah recalls Kari Carswell (formerly Anderson), who was the player-coach when she started and held the first cap. She reminisces about the early days before jetting off to Dubai for a World Cup, recalling the minibus rides to Devon for county matches.
Earlier this year, they secured a spot in the T20 World Cup with a victory against Ireland in Abu Dhabia dream realized by this generation, inspired by those who came before them. The emotions surrounding the tournament itself are mixed, with significant losses to Bangladesh and South Africa, but the real achievement was making it to the World Cup.
Before their first match, the squad held a ceremony where each player received their official World Cup jersey. Kathryn delivered a speech that has resonated with her teammates since, emphasizing that they have already established a legacy and accomplished something unprecedented.
The Scotland women's team has faced numerous challenges and setbacks but remains determined to make history. On Sunday, October 13, 2024, they will face England in their sign-off game, aiming to conclude their tournament on a positive note.
In conclusion, Sarah Bryce's journey from a young debutant to a seasoned international cricketer is a testament to her hard work and dedication. Her contributions to Scotland's cricket team have been invaluable, and her leadership roles have showcased her maturity and strategic thinking on the field.
As Scotland continues to make strides in women's cricket, players like Sarah Bryce will be instrumental in shaping the future of the sport. Their determination and passion inspire not only their teammates but also fans around the world.
