We're halfway through the innings and it's failed to ignite. When Smith and Villani both opened up with boundaries, I was convinced this could be a bash fest but the Phoenix bowlers and fielders are doing a great job.

These two are struggling to even rotate the strike.

They're just trying to spark something here and Villani can sense it. She finally breaks the shackles, hangs back and nails it in front of square to the boundary. Even Perry can't get there.

Charlie Taylor
BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

Image source, Getty Images

The square here is particularly dry because of the amount cricket that has been played on it during the Commonwealth Games and now in The Hundred.

It will be a low-scoring game but there has been some excellent ground fielding from Birmingham Phoenix.

Maqsood is getting great flight with her leg spin and it's being backed up by some great fieliding from the Phoenix today.

Sciver find the leg side where she is notoriously strong but Eve Jones comes flying round to it.

This is great work from Phoenix who look a well-oiled team right now.

Nat Sciver is just trying to make something happen out there. A reverse sweep somehow finds the boundary but it definitely wasn't down to third like she would have hoped.

She tries again. Still nothing.

Villani looks to be itching to get more of the strike.

Image source, Getty Images

This is a proper fan club. Phoenix won't be short of support from this section of the crowd.

Charlie Taylor
BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

One thing that has surprised me about this tournament is how many fans have embraced getting the kit. Its a bit like being in a Dutch football game.

31 from 30. It's a measured start from the Rockets and the worn surface isn't the quickest so it doesn't look like it will be a boundary fest.

Wong back into the attack and she's finding her line now. But Nat Sciver is equal to it and sends it back over her head for four.

That's the end of the Powerplay and the Birmingham Phoenix will be pretty pleased with their efforts so far. They've picked up a wicket and are keeping these two vaguely quiet.

Molineux is making things happen. The change to spin has brought about a wicket and real strangle on the run-rate. Perhaps the 10-ball stint proved costly to her as Sciver finds the boundary with the penultimate ball.

Charlie Taylor
BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

Molineux takes the catch and Birmingham Phoenix make the breakthrough. That's a shame because they were building a good partnership.

Image source, Getty Images

Both opening bowlers seem to be struggling a little to control the new ball and hit the mark.

The two opening batters, however, have started with real intent. Perhaps they're looking to prove that all the Rockets chat doesn't just need to be about the bowlers and they can bring the action too.

Lydia Greenway
Former England batter on BBC radio

Brilliant start here from Trent Rockets. The Birmingham Phoenix have just not able to settle in with the ball.

Smith was straight off the mark with a boundary. Not a bad way to open your account in front of an ever-growing Edgbaston crowd.

Villani not prepared to be left behind and she too opens up with a boundary.

A Rocketing start one might say...

Looks like it will be Issy Wong to take start proceedings. She's lit up Edgbaston lately and is a real home favourite.

Bryony Smith to face.

Thumbs up for Birmingham Phoenix. Thumbs down for Trent Rockets.

Birmingham Phoenix: Sophie Devine (c), Eve Jones, Amy Jones (wk), Ellyse Perry, Sophie Molineux, Issy Wong, Emily Arlott, Georgia Elwiss, Gwenan, Davies, Kirstie Gordon, Abtaha Maqsood.

Trent Rockets: Bryony Smith, Elyse Villani, Nat Sciver (c), Mignon du Preez, Marie Kelly, Abigail Freeborn (wk), Katherine Brunt, Alana King, Sarah Glenn, Kathryn Bryce, Georgia Davis.