It started with a knockabout on the edge of the boundary while their dad was playing for Crossflatts.

And now sporty sisters Laura and Anna Spragg, from Skipton, are among the country's young cricket stars of the future.

Laura, now 20, is the youngest woman ever to play for Yorkshire Ladies, making her debut for the full side at just 14.

And she has toured India, Australia and New Zealand with the England side.

Her 18-year-old sister Anna is wicketkeeper for the Yorkshire Under-19s side and is also now in the England development team.

The pair became involved in the sport after they were spotted playing during an interval in their dad's match.

Dad John, 46, a former bowler, said: "Laura used to keep score for us and they have spent a lot of time at matches.

"We were just having a knockabout with a bat and ball at the interval and this man came up to us and said they should have a go at ladies cricket.

"To be honest we didn't know much about it at all.

"They were only small then but they have done really well.

"There are a lot of boys in our family so having girls was a real surprise - both times!"

John says he has no qualms about them taking after him on the sporting field.

"I love the fact they are playing cricket as I had so many years playing and taking part socially in the sport," he said.

Laura, who is currently studying for a PE degree at Leeds Met University, is a bowler and West Indies paceman Malcolm Marshall is her all-time hero.

"He's a very front-on bowler which is how I play - though, of course, I'm not as quick," she says.

She also highly rates current England bowler Lucy Pearson, who was the first woman to take 11 wickets in a test match against Australia, in February.

Laura started with Keighley Boys Under 12s then joined Yorkshire Ladies Under 21s when she was 13.

At 14, she was selected for the full county side alongside much older team-mates aged 20 to 35.

Her best figures are six for 25 against Sussex.

She has now taken a year out to go on overseas tours with England.

"India was very interesting," she recalls. "I loved the country but I did get tummy upset.

"And in Australia and New Zealand they put so much more time and money into the sport which is why they are so good."

Anna, taking A-levels at South Craven school, hails wicket-keeper Alec Stewart as her hero.

"He is a brilliant keeper and still bats high up the order as well," she said.

Her highest score is 75 not out -- but she has suffered injuries: "I have been hit in the face a few times and I broke my hand, but you get used to it."

Both agree the ladies sport has developed hugely over the past few years.

Anna added: "I know a lot of people think it is boring but it isn't when you're playing.

"I would urge any girl to give it a go if they enjoy playing cricket. It is a good sport to get involved with.