Maidens in from Scouse end...

The Twenty20 Cup has achieved its twin aims of increasing crowds and widening cricket's social base, and three more young female fans will attend their first match at Trent Bridge tomorrow. Atomic Kitten are going into bat for the first time.

The Scouse pop trio's appearance at the inaugural finals day has caused almost as much controversy as the creation of the new biff 'n' bash formula itself.

Such was the horror at the thought of three scantily-clad singing sirens parading around the home of cricket that the tournament's showpiece occasion was moved from Lord's to Trent Bridge.

Atomic Kitten may not have heard of Old Father Time but appear well-placed to become symbols of this modern cricketing revolution. None of the girls - Liz McClarnon, Jenny Frost and Natasha Hamilton - are cricket fans but are prepared to give it a go.

McClarnon said: "Cricket's not my sport but it looks fun. I went to watch my brother play for his school the other day. I now know about lbw but that's about it." McClarnon takes more of an interest in football, illustrating what the England and Wales Cricket Board are up against.

Her loyalties lie in the blue half of her home city and after a recent meeting with her hero Wayne Rooney, she is convinced Everton are on the up. "I met Wayne recently and he was a really lovely lad. He'll play more next season and I think we'll do even better."