First mainstream cricket collectibles release in the UK since the mid-90s will also feature women cricketers.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (EWCB) has licensed Tap’N’Play Cricket to release the Official 2018 England Cricket Trading Cards. This mainstream collectibles cricket card series features 227 cards to collect, showcasing players in the England Test, Lions, ODI, T20 as well as Women’s squads, representing the first time women’s sport has featured prominently in any UK sports card collection.

The limited edition nature of the collection adds to the appeal, as does the high-quality production values, with the Stuart Broad Patch Cards – featuring a patch of Broad’s Test jersey worn during the 2017 South Africa home series – likely to be particularly sought after.

A limited edition release over two months only, the cards will be available from 4,200 Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Spar outlets, plus general convenience stores in the UK. Every store will receive only two boxes of the cards, so once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Tap’N’Play has also secured an ECB and International Cricket Council licensing contract to go alongside its longstanding relationship with Cricket Australia.

Tap’N’Play managing director Neil Armstrong commented: “The back to back events of the ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2019 Ashes are an exciting time for the UK, and we look forward to providing something special for both of these major events. Tap’N’Play includes women athletes in every single release. Our Australian Football series showcases the national women’s team and our New Zealand Rugby series features both the Black Fern Sevens and Fifteen teams. This year our Big Bash League (BBL) Cricket sets will feature 40% women. We are leading the way for other companies to provide gender balance in trading card collecting.”

The Official 2018 England Cricket Trading Cards will be available in shops from 18th July, priced at £1.50 per pack.