“We’re really excited to be part of this partnership and speaking to the basketball and volleyball coaches – just chewing the fat, it’s been brilliant.

“Understanding what they do from a performance analysis point of view, especially with match-ups, is really useful.”

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

Essex are continuing to finalise 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.

Most of the players appeared for the Sunrisers regional side who won the 50-over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy 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 suite, and team-mates passed on their experiences after seven years as a professional squad.

“This collaboration marks an exciting step forward, and we look forward to building on this partnership in the months to come,” said Rebels manager Diana Voynova.