Bryce’s Potential for Significant Impact | Cricbuzz.com

**INTERVIEW: Bryce Aims to Leave Her Mark**

**By Purnima Malhotra**

**”Being given the chance to participate in the WPL was exhilarating,” Bryce remarked. ©BCCI**

Raised with a passion for sports, Sarah Bryce embraced wicketkeeping as a means to stay engaged in cricket, encouraged by her parents to diversify from her sister Kathryn’s medium-pace all-rounder focus, fostering complementary skills without sibling rivalry. Their foresight unknowingly set Sarah on a path as an international wicketkeeper.

Beyond cricket, Sarah was also an accomplished hockey player for Loughborough University, balancing her sporting pursuits while studying mathematics, as her sister pursued sports science. During their tenure at Loughborough, the notion of pursuing cricket as a professional career emerged. Amid the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there was a silver lining for the Bryce sisters.

With the restructuring of English domestic cricket ahead of The Hundred, both Sarah and Kathryn secured full-time ECB contracts with Lightning Cricket (now The Blaze) in December 2020. They were the only players from an ICC Associate nation to earn this distinction among a 41-member roster, allowing them to focus solely on cricket without concerns about post-university employment.

“I’ve always aspired to play cricket at a high level, but professionalism seemed uncertain until lockdown,” Sarah shared with Cricbuzz. “Luckily, coming out of COVID with my first professional ECB contract was perfectly timed, and being at Loughborough University opened that door for me.”

At 21, Sarah made her Women’s Hundred debut for the Oval Invincibles, and although her first season was challenging, her move to Welsh Fire reignited her performance. In a standout season, she played a crucial role with a match-winning innings of 51*, directing Welsh to the finals. Despite falling short to London Spirit in a gripping finish, Sarah’s impressive wicketkeeping and batting prowess garnered attention, particularly from Meg Lanning, who played for the eventual champions.

Sarah served as vice-captain alongside her sister during Scotland’s T20 World Cup debut in the UAE. Despite the team’s struggles, Sarah secured a WBBL opportunity with the Sydney Sixers after Alyssa Healy’s foot injury. With Healy sidelined, Sarah became the Sixers’ primary wicketkeeper, making an immediate impact with the bat, including a decisive 36* against Melbourne Renegades and a 62 off 44 against Adelaide Strikers.

Sarah’s remarkable performances caught the eye of Delhi Capitals, who picked her during the WPL 2025 auction to strengthen their side, particularly addressing the need for a more robust wicketkeeping option. Her presence as an associate player afforded Delhi Capitals the flexibility to include four additional overseas players in their lineup, a strategic advantage they capitalized on.

Sarah’s inclusion was validated by her impactful performances, including a decisive cameo that helped seal a win against Mumbai Indians in the tournament opener. Her contributions solidified her position in the playing XI despite limited batting opportunities in some matches.

“Sarah has been invaluable to us,” Lanning praised ahead of the WPL final in 2025. “Her ability to make an impact with limited opportunities demonstrates her potential and resilience, both in front of the stumps and behind them.”

The feeling is mutual, as Sarah credits her time with Lanning for enriching her game and leadership skills. “Her approach to cricket and her respect for individuality within the team are qualities I’m eager to integrate into my own play,” Sarah reflects.

As the vice-captain of Scotland alongside Kathryn, Sarah has drawn inspiration from Lanning’s leadership style. “Her ability to combine clarity and composure on the field is something I strive to emulate.”

With her debut in the WPL, Sarah joins an elite group of players who have competed in the premier leagues across England, Australia, and India. Reflecting on her experiences, Sarah shared, “The Hundred expanded my perspective on the sport’s reach, WBBL showcased Australia’s depth in talent, and the WPL has provided an unparalleled experience of cricket’s passion in India.”

Looking ahead, Sarah is eager to bring her international insights to Scotland, particularly as they prepare for the ODI World Cup qualifiers in Pakistan and a possible World Cup debut in India. The Bryce sisters continue to inspire young Scottish cricketers, with growing interest in the sport following their historic journey to the World Cup.

As Sarah Bryce continues her cricketing journey, both professionally and personally, she remains dedicated to honing her skills. Reflecting on her whirlwind 2024-25 season and looking forward, she says, “This period has been transformative for my career, offering opportunities beyond anything I’d imagined. It all stems from that pivotal World Cup qualification, and I eagerly anticipate what lies ahead.”

**© Cricbuzz**

**Tags:**
Sarah Bryce, Women’s Premier League 2025, Delhi Capitals Women

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