- Nat Sciver-Brunt, Lauren Bell and Sophia Dunkley become the first ever England cricketers to appear on the iconic Picadilly Lights in London
- Metro Bank’s This Feels Different campaign aims to increase the visibility of the women’s game and inspire the next generation of players
- Almost two thirds of school girls would take up cricket if they saw women players represented in images
England Women’s cricketers star at the heart of a new campaign from Metro Bank, partner of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), aiming to increase the visibility of women’s and girls’ cricket and inspire the next generation of girls to pick up a bat and ball, ahead of an exciting summer for cricket.
Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophia Dunkley and Lauren Bell feature in a brand new 17.6metre by 44.6metre display launched on London’s Piccadilly Lights, on a screen over 12 times larger than the size of a standard cricket pitch. It marks the first time any England cricketer has been shown on the iconic London landmark.
This Feels Different is a new campaign from Metro Bank and its mission-led partnership with the ECB, as Champion of Women’s and Girls’ Cricket. Research* previously found that:
- Nearly two-thirds (63%) of school girls (aged 7-16) surveyed would be more likely to play cricket if they saw an increase in representation and images, rising to 72%1 of primary school age (7-11)
- 44% of 7–11 year olds surveyed said seeing an increase in the visibility of role models (e.g. women players) would encourage them to play cricket
- One in two (53%1) women and girls surveyed in Greater London would be more likely to play cricket if they saw more representation (e.g. imagery, photographs, media coverage) - higher than any other region in the UK
In response, Metro Bank has taken over advertising space in London, on Europe’s biggest commercial screen, putting the players front and centre of a powerful visual image and creative. This Feels Different calls on the public to celebrate the women’s game, grow new fans and supporters, and encourage more women’s and girls’ participation at grassroots level.
Up In Lights- the 17.6metre by 44.6metre screen. Pictured- Sophia Dunkley, Lauren Bell, Nat Sciver-Brunt. 'This Team, This Chance, This Moment, This Feels Different'.
England player Sophia Dunkley, pictured standing in front of the iconic screen for the first time said: “If I could have told myself when I was first holding a bat that I would eventually be able to see myself on Piccadilly Circus as part of the official England squad, I wouldn’t have believed it!
Women’s cricket has seen its popularity and interest really take off, thanks in part to the support of brands like Metro Bank through its meaningful partnership and the Metro Bank Girls in Cricket Fund. I’m so proud to see us all receive the attention women’s cricket deserves.”
Danielle Lee, Director of Brand & Marketing at Metro Bank said: “We’re excited to put England Women’s Cricket on one of the most iconic global locations, increasing visibility of the players and the game, with the aim to inspire more women and girls to take up the sport during an exciting summer. Seeing Nat, Sophia and Lauren on Piccadilly Lights is more than just an image, it’s about inspiring the next generation, showing young girls what’s possible and encouraging them to feel part of the game and its future.”
Metro Bank and the ECB’s Girls in Cricket Fund2 has driven a direct increase in grassroots participation up and down the country. Since the Fund launched in 2024, the number of girls’ teams has increased by 32%.
For more information on the difference that Metro Bank is making, visit: https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/cricket/
ENDS
*Research: The Metro Bank research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,000 UK Females Aged 7+ (Nationally Representative). The data was collected between 27.06.2025 – 04.07.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
1 ‘Much more likely’ and ‘Somewhat more likely’ responses combined.
2About The Metro Bank Girls in Cricket Fund
The Metro Bank Girls in Cricket Fund was launched in May 2024 and is co-designed and co-funded by Metro Bank and the ECB. The Fund aims to triple the number of girls’ cricket teams by 2028, by breaking down barriers and creating supportive and inclusive spaces to attract and keep more girls in the sport. The Fund provides support to current and potential new coaches and volunteers, female and male, both in clubs with a girls’ section and those starting a new girls’ section.
The Metro Bank Girls in Cricket Fund has driven a direct increase in participation up and down the country. Since the Fund launched in 2024, the number of girls’ teams has increased by 32%. [Data- January 2026].