Washington Freedom have landed in Morrisville, North Carolina, ahead of their final three group stage games in the augural edition of Major League Cricket.

Freedom were welcomed in the arrivals hall by local juniors from the local Triangle Cricket League who were able to speak to, get autographs and take photos with their favourite Washington players.

It was a particularly special welcome for Freedom’s Dane Piedt, who lives in North Carolina and is captain of the local Minor League team Morrisville Raptors, for whom he represents alongside fellow Freedom player Obus Pienaar.

“It’s very special to be representing Freedom in my home state,” said Piedt. “I know a lot of these kids through the local community and hopefully we can play well and inspire a new generation of cricketers in the local area.

“There’s a huge cricket fanbase in Morrisville and I can’t wait for us to get out there and show what we can do.”

Freedom arrive with one win and one loss to their name after suffering a narrow defeat in the opening round against Seattle Orcas, before claiming a six-run win against Texas Super Kings in the second match, thanks to a fantastic all-round bowling effort from the team, and an excellent 80 off 50 balls from Matt Short.

Freedom’s first fixture in Morrisville is against LA Knight Riders on Thursday, before they take-on San Francisco Unicorns and MI New York on Saturday and Sunday.