NEW signings Amelia Kerr and Tammy Beaumont have been named in the Southern Vipers squad for their 2018 Kia Super League campaign.

The competition will see the world’s best cricketers compete for a third season as the Southern Vipers attempt to reach a third consecutive final and aim to secure a second trophy in three years.

Skipper Suzie Bates is joined by overseas addition and fellow New Zealand all-rounder Kerr, while South African international Mignon Du Preez returns after representing the Vipers last season.

The squad also features England quartet Danni Wyatt, Tash Farrant, Katie George and Beaumont, as well as New Zealand’s Sara McGlashan, who was part of the Vipers’ 2016 inaugural title-winning side.

Alongside Kerr, Beaumont and McGlashan, three other new additions join the set-up with Paige Scholfield, Maia Bouchier and Lauren Bell arriving.

Ageas Bowl’s director of women’s cricket Charlotte Edwards said: “We’re very excited about the team we have put together for the KSL 2018. We have a lovely blend of experienced internationals mixed in with some enormously talented younger players.

“It’s great to see so many of our players performing well on the international stage this summer and we can’t wait for our fans to see them in action throughout the KSL. Having reached finals day twice now, our goal is to make it three from three.”

Southern Vipers head coach Nick Denning said: “We cannot wait for this squad to show what they are capable of.

"We have some of the best players in the world in this group who will be able to bring the best out of some of the most exciting talent in the country.

"Bringing back KSL winners from 2016 and adding some strong local talent will add more depth to the squad and provide some real competition for places.

“We value Sara’s contribution from 2016 and the opportunity presented itself for her to be available under her UK passport regulations and we knew she could add some real quality and experience to the squad again. The younger players will learn a great deal from working and playing with Sara."

Following the success of the first two KSL seasons, all six teams will play each other home and away for the first time.

Each team will play 10 matches rather than five in the battle to reach finals day and the competition includes a total of 32 matches compared with last year’s 17, spanning 37 days from July 22 to August 27.

Tickets for all the Ageas Bowl’s Southern Vipers matches can be purchased online at ageasbowl.com, over the telephone on 0844 847 1863 or by visiting the Ageas Bowl’s ticketing and membership office via normal working hours.

Southern Vipers squad: Suzie Bates, Tammy Beaumont, Danni Wyatt, Tash Farrant, Mignon Du Preez, Amelia Kerr, Katie George, Paige Scholfield, Maia Bouchier, Charlie Dean, Arran Brindle, Carla Rudd, Lauren Bell, Sara McGlashan, Fi Morris.