Seeing double – the twins blazing a trail in cricket

Interviewing cricketers Mary and Millie Taylor is like seeing double, with the 20-year-old identical twins making waves in the world of women’s cricket. Known for their strikingly similar appearances, even their long-time coach Georgia Adams occasionally confuses them. Yet, when the sisters step onto the cricket field, they become distinct individuals; Mary stands out as a right-arm seamer while Millie captivates as the only professional female left-arm wrist-spinner in the UK.

Dubbed “mirror twins,” they are fascinating both on and off the field. Their journey began in the family garden, where friendly sibling rivalry sparked their fascination with cricket. “I’ve always been a seamer because I thought, ‘Mills, go down there and I’ll try and take your head off,’” Mary notes, jesting about her competitive nature. Millie explains her transition to bowling leg spin by mimicking their elder brother Henry, who bowls right-arm leg spin. Their playful beginnings have transformed into professional endeavors, recently highlighted by their participation in Birmingham Phoenix’s squad for The Hundred tournament.

As much as the twins have shared a common path, they’ve also encountered the unique challenges of professional sports. This past winter marked a significant turning point for them as they began to tread separate paths. The restructuring of women’s domestic cricket led Mary to secure a contract with Hampshire, while Millie remained with the Southern Vipers Academy, anxiously awaiting her own opportunity. Eventually, Millie accepted an offer from Warwickshire, necessitating a 200-mile move from their home in Eastbourne to Birmingham.

Millie recalls the uncertainty that accompanied her career decision, stating, “There was a bit of umming and ahhing because it was so far away.” With no previous experience of living away from home, it was daunting, but Mary encouraged her sister to embrace the opportunity. “I made her a pros and cons list, and there were about 60 pros and about two cons,” Mary quipped, demonstrating her unwavering support for Millie’s ambitions.

Despite their separation, the season turned out to be a bittersweet one for the twins. They were re-united in Birmingham during The Hundred, but only Millie was selected to play. “I was absolutely ecstatic when I saw my name,” she said, “but I had to stay quite level because I was happy, but obviously, I was upset that I wouldn’t be getting to play with Mary.” When Mary eventually joined the starting XI, it marked a poignant moment—Millie had unfortunately sustained a broken finger, leading to an early end to her debut professional season.

Their parents, too, have had a rollercoaster of emotions, navigating the logistical challenges of attending matches for both daughters dispersed across different towns. “Mum hid behind a tree when we were playing each other,” Mary recounted, showing how their family shares in both the joy and anxiety of their challenges.

With Millie claiming the title of leading wicket-taker in the Women’s Vitality Blast and Hampshire preparing for a potential Metro Bank Women’s One Day Cup final, the sibling rivalry remains palpable. “My heart was racing at [seeing Millie bowl against me]… I’ve just got to not get out!” Mary exclaimed, underscoring the mix of intense competition and family loyalty.

As they blaze their own trails in cricket, the Taylors’ story emphasizes the unique intersection of sibling bonds, competitive spirits, and the challenges of professional sports. Their journey is not just about individual success but also about support, resilience, and the pure thrill of the game.

In summary, Mary and Millie Taylor’s lives reflect the complexities and triumphs many athletes face, particularly in women’s sports where equity and visibility are ongoing discussions. These “mirror twins” are not just symbols of an emerging talent pool in women’s cricket; they’re trailblazers inspiring future generations of sports enthusiasts. As they both continue to grow in their respective careers, cricket fans will undoubtedly keep a watchful eye on this dynamic duo, eager to witness what the future holds for them both on and off the field.

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