“We’re really excited to be a part of this partnership and talk to the basketball and volleyball coaches; just getting the inside scoop was great.

“In terms of performance analysis, it’s really helpful to understand what they’re doing, especially in matchups.”

The new domestic structure will see eight women’s teams compete alongside their men’s rivals in the T20 Blast and One-Day Cup next summer.

Essex continue to round out their squad with 12 players already signed up and have also made a number of coaching appointments, including former Kent and Leicestershire all-rounder Darren Stevens.

Many of the players were part of the Sunrisers regional team that won the 50-over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Cup this summer.

Essex Rebels play in the Women’s Basketball League and made their debut in 2018-19.

Great Britain international Clare Paxton gave the cricketers a tour of the facilities, including a performance analysis room, and her teammates shared their experiences after seven years in a professional team.

“This collaboration marks an exciting step forward and we look forward to developing this partnership in the coming months,” said Rebels director Diana Voynova.