SOUTHERN Vipers captain Georgia Adams insists her side are "ready to hit the ground running" as they look to build on last season's success.

The Southern Vipers won the Rachael Heyhoe Flint trophy and Charlotte Edwards Cup in 2023 and are expected to be strong contenders in both tournaments again.

The Utilita Bowl side begin their RHF trophy campaign against South East Stars on Saturday at the County Cricket Ground, Beckenham.

Speaking at Southern Vipers' media day, Adams admits preparations for the new season have gone well.

She told the Daily Echo: "We are super stoked to get outside and start the Rachel Heyhoe Flint trophy campaign.

"We have actually had a lot of players abroad playing cricket and it was pleasing for us as a group to see so many involved in the U19 trip to Sri Lanka and the England A-trip to New Zealand.

"Our players have been pretty fortunate to get some cricket outside across the winter.

"For the handful that haven't, I know they have been busting their gut here at the Utilita Bowl inside so they're itching to get outside and get started."

Despite the unprecedented success Southern Vipers have been able to achieve in recent years, Adams insists there is always room to "grow" to maintain the high standards that they set.

The 30 year old added: "We've been pretty dominant and really lucky to have seen quite a lot of success but that does come with pressure.

"We have got to keep upping our ante and keep growing and keep getting better, which I think we have done.

"We're always looking to grow as a team and as a unit and obviously, it's something that we've been conscious of in the last four years.

"Credit to the players and to the staff who work incredibly hard to make sure everyone is prepared and ready to hit the ground running."

The all-rounder has spent much of the winter in Australia, winning the Women's Big Bash with the Adelaide Strikers and also featuring for New South Wales.

Adams admits the experience was "incredible" and hopes to translate her fine form into the new season.

"I was really lucky to have a winter away in Australia and it was the first time I've ever done something like that," she explained.

"To go out there and play with NSW and be part of the Women's Big Bash was an incredible experience.

"I loved it and personally was chuffed to see myself adapt to conditions pretty well and have quite a consistent run of form out there.

"Hopefully I can translate that into this season. I've had a couple of weeks off since returning from New Zealand so hopefully when I pick the bat back up I'll be good to go."