SOUTHERN Vipers’ coach Nick Denning says this season’s Kia Super League is wide open as his side prepare to face Surrey Stars in tomorrow’s mouth-watering tournament opener at Guildford.

It’s an early meeting of two of last season’s three finalists, who are again expected to do well in the expanded competition which sees the six teams play each other home and away for the first time.

“People will look at us and Surrey as being strong but I think you could make a good case for all six teams,” said Denning.

“All six teams have got really strong overseas players.

"If you look at Surrey’s three South Africans - Dane van Niekerk, who captains her country, Marizanne Kapp and Lizelle Lee – they have got three potential matchwinners there.

“I think we’re good enough to go all the way again and get to Finals Day but I know we are going to have to work really hard in each game to progress.”

Vipers can call upon New Zealand pair Suzie Bates and Amelie Kerr and South African Mignon du Preez as well as former Surrey opener Tammy Beaumont and her fellow England internationals Danni Wyatt, Katie George and Tash Farrant.

But Denning will be fascinated to see how some of those on the fringes of the England set-up fare and says one of the main benefits of the expanded format is the opportunity it gives to the entire 15-strong squad.

“There’s a different dynamic this year,” he said. “In the first two years you had three or four days between games so the emphasis was more on coaching skills. This year we play five games in ten days with travel in between so the focus will be more on preparation. It will be tiring physically and mentally for everyone, but it does mean the likes of Paige Schofield and Maia Bouchier will perhaps get more opportunities than in a shorter tournament.”

One man who will be watching closely over the next five weeks is England Head Coach Mark Robinson. Their next major assignment is the world T20s in the West Indies later this year and he will be monitoring the performances of his squad, and keeping an eye out for emerging talent to fill the Academy programmes.

“Could someone emerge in the Super League and force their way into the squad for the West Indies? It’s possible,” said Robinson. “But I like to think our coaching staff know who is on the radar and in contention anyway. But it’s still a good opportunity for those on the fringes, particularly the youngsters, to enhance their reputations and get on the Academy programme.”

The Vipers play their first home game at the Ageas Bowl on Wednesday against Loughborough Lightning.

Squad: Suzie Bates (c), Tammy Beaumont, Danni Wyatt, Tash Farrant, Mignon du Preez, Amelia Kerr, Katie George, Paige Schofield, Maia Boucher, Charlie Dean, Arran Brindle, Carla Rudd, Lauren Bell, Sara McGlashan, Fi Morris.