In the fiercely competitive world of county cricket, a unique and formidable partnership is making waves. From the sun-drenched back gardens of Eastbourne to the bright lights of The Hundred, identical twins Tara and Chloe Norris are not just turning heads because of their matching appearances; they are blazing a trail with their exceptional talent, determination, and a shared dream that is rapidly becoming reality.
A Cricketing Bond Forged in the Garden
The story of the Norris twins begins, like so many great sporting duos, in childhood competition. Their father, a keen club cricketer, would bowl at them for hours in their back garden, a training ground that forged not only their technical skills but also an unbreakable bond. "It was always so competitive," Tara recalls with a laugh. "Every game, whether it was cricket or anything else, had to have a winner. That drive pushed us both to be better." This sibling rivalry, fuelled by mutual support, became the foundation of their careers, creating two fiercely independent athletes who also function as each other’s greatest ally and most honest critic.
Breaking into the County Scene
Their journey from garden net to professional pitch has been a testament to their skill and perseverance. Both right-arm seam bowlers and hard-hitting middle-order batters, they progressed through the Sussex age-group pathways in tandem. Their breakthrough onto the senior stage was almost simultaneous, with both making their debuts for Sussex in 2021. Their impact was immediate and pronounced, offering the county a double-barrelled threat that quickly became a cornerstone of their team. Key milestones in their rapid rise include:
- Consistently being among the top wicket-takers for Sussex in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.
- Developing a reputation for breaking crucial partnerships with their disciplined and aggressive bowling.
- Showcasing their power-hitting capabilities, adding vital depth to the Sussex batting lineup.
Their coach at Sussex, James, highlights their unique dynamic: "Having one player of their calibre is a bonus. Having two, who are so in sync yet push each other constantly, is a luxury. Their work ethic is unmatched."
The Hundred Call-Up: A Dream Realized
The ultimate validation of their talent came with the ultimate stage: The Hundred. In the 2023 draft, the cricketing world watched as the twins achieved a rare feat. Tara was snapped up by the Southern Brave, while Chloe earned a contract with the Oval Invincibles. For the first time in their lives, they were on rival teams. "It was a weird feeling," Chloe admits. "We've shared every step, every team. But it was also incredible to know we'd both made it to that level on our own merit."
A Friendly Rivalry on the Biggest Stage
The highlight of the tournament was, inevitably, the match where the Invincibles faced the Brave. The siblings, usually sharing a celebratory hug, now had to compete. The family group chat was reportedly buzzing with friendly banter in the lead-up. While they didn’t face each other directly with bat and ball that day, their presence on opposing sides symbolized their individual arrival as top-tier cricketers in their own right.
More Than Just Lookalikes
While their identical looks famously confuse commentators and opponents alike—"I just bowl at the one wearing the helmet!" a rival player once joked—their games have subtle distinctions that keen observers note. Tara’s bowling is often cited as being slightly more swing-oriented, while Chloe can generate extra bounce. With the bat, Tara is the more classical anchor, and Chloe the explosive finisher. These differences are a point of pride, a way to assert their individuality within their incredible similarity. They are a package deal in spirit, but distinct athletes in execution.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond their on-field exploits, the Norris twins have become powerful role models. They represent a new generation of female cricketers: professional, powerful, and proving that the pathway from club cricket to the national arena is well and truly open. Seeing two young women from a non-traditional cricketing powerhouse county like Sussex excel together sends a powerful message to girls everywhere. "We get messages from parents saying their daughters now want to play because they've seen us," says Tara. "That means more than any wicket or run. We want to show that anything is possible."
The Future is Bright
The trajectory for Tara and Chloe Norris points firmly upward. With established places in the Sussex squad and successful debuts in The Hundred, the next logical step is contention for the England senior team. Their unique story and proven ability to perform under pressure make them compelling prospects for the international selectors. The dream that started in a Eastbourne garden now has its sights set on global stages. "We've done it together this far," Chloe states. "Why stop now? The goal has always been to play for England. And if we could do that together, it would be absolutely incredible."
The Norris twins are more than just a curious headline; they are a phenomenon. They embody the power of shared ambition and sibling support, demonstrating that while individual talent is paramount, having a built-in training partner, confidante, and best friend can be the ultimate advantage. In breaking into county cricket and The Hundred, they haven't just opened a door for themselves; they've kicked it down for good, promising a future where seeing double on the cricket pitch is a sign of double the trouble for opposition teams.