BEX Odgers says seeing friends thrive on the global stage is crystallising her cricketing dream, writes Oli Dickson Jefford.

The 19-year-old St Austell ace followed the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa intently having recently played alongside many in the English team.

England’s young stars reached the final in Potchefstroom before going down to a tough seven-wicket defeat against India.

Bex was awarded a winter contract by South West side Western Storm last year and admits watching her peers flourish in the competition can help fire her to success this season.

Bex said: “I really enjoyed the U19 World Cup in South Africa. Most of the team out there, I’ve played with or against before.

“I’ve got a couple of really close friends out there – it’s amazing to see the younger girls in the England set-up come through and show what they can do.

“Most of my cricket career I’ve known these girls and having been so competitive with them, you don’t feel like you’re far away.”

Bex is balancing her burgeoning cricket career with studying medical sciences at the University of Exeter. And while the balance between studying and a sports career could be challenging, it is something she is relishing at this stage.

Bex benefits from financial support from Boost Drinks, a company with a vision of helping youngsters to achieve their dreams.

Boost Drinks provides young athletes with financial support, recognition, and personal development opportunities through its partnership with SportsAid. Each athlete receives a £1,000 award which contributes towards costs such as travel, accommodation, and equipment – for more information visit www.boostdrinks.com