England's women's cricket team has announced its central contracts for the upcoming year, with 17 players receiving full central contracts and a further 10 players signing new one-year deals. Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith is among those who have secured their first full central contract, marking an exciting development in her career.
Smith, who made her one-day international debut in May this year, has been impressive in the World Cup campaign in India. She joins a select group of 17 players who will receive their central contracts, which are awarded to the best and most promising cricketers in England.
Other notable players who have received new one-year deals include Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley, Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Freya Kemp, and Linsey Smith. These players will be given the opportunity to develop their skills further and compete at the highest level.
The announcement comes as England women's cricket prepares for a pivotal year ahead, with home ICC Women's T20 World Cup and historic Test match against India on the horizon. Clare Connor, Managing Director of England Women's cricket, expressed her enthusiasm about the new contracts, saying that they are both a reward for what the players have achieved and an opportunity to develop their skills further.
The decision not to award Kate Cross a central contract was met with disappointment from the 33-year-old pace bowler, who had taken over 100 wickets across all formats for England. However, Connor reassured that the door to selection is never closed on any domestic cricketer and that consistency in scoring runs and taking wickets will always put players in a strong position to be picked in England squads.
The news has been welcomed by fans and pundits alike, with many praising the opportunity for young and talented players to shine on the international stage. With the team looking to build momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup, these new contracts are set to bring fresh energy and excitement to English women's cricket.
Smith, who made her one-day international debut in May this year, has been impressive in the World Cup campaign in India. She joins a select group of 17 players who will receive their central contracts, which are awarded to the best and most promising cricketers in England.
Other notable players who have received new one-year deals include Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley, Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Freya Kemp, and Linsey Smith. These players will be given the opportunity to develop their skills further and compete at the highest level.
The announcement comes as England women's cricket prepares for a pivotal year ahead, with home ICC Women's T20 World Cup and historic Test match against India on the horizon. Clare Connor, Managing Director of England Women's cricket, expressed her enthusiasm about the new contracts, saying that they are both a reward for what the players have achieved and an opportunity to develop their skills further.
The decision not to award Kate Cross a central contract was met with disappointment from the 33-year-old pace bowler, who had taken over 100 wickets across all formats for England. However, Connor reassured that the door to selection is never closed on any domestic cricketer and that consistency in scoring runs and taking wickets will always put players in a strong position to be picked in England squads.
The news has been welcomed by fans and pundits alike, with many praising the opportunity for young and talented players to shine on the international stage. With the team looking to build momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup, these new contracts are set to bring fresh energy and excitement to English women's cricket.
. I mean, she was on fire in the World Cup campaign in India! It shows that the selectors are always on the lookout for talent and giving young players a chance to shine. The fact that 10 more players got new one-year deals is also super exciting because it means we get to see even more faces on the international stage. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for these talented ladies! 
cant see why kate cross wasnt included tho she's been a top performer for england 
anyway think its great that linsey smith got her central contract 
those young girls are gonna make some amazing cricket history soon 
. The fact that Kate Cross didn't get a central contract might have been a bit disappointing, but I think the message from Clare Connor about giving domestic players a chance when they're consistent is super positive 
. Bring on those home ICC Women's T20 World Cup and Test matches against India - it's gonna be an exciting year for English women's cricket! 
. I guess it's not easy being a cricketer, you know? It's like trying to hit six runs with two wickets down - sounds impossible, but Kate Cross had over 100 wickets under her belt and still didn't get a central contract 
️!
And Linsey Smith gettin' her first full contract? Mind blown! 
She's been doin' some amazin' stuff in the World Cup, and I'm lovin' how they're givin' young and talented players like Maia Bouchier and Alice Capsey a chance to shine on the international stage. 
And yeah, it's defo disappointing for her, but Clare Connor's right - consistency is key, you feel me? 
Kate Cross might be disappointed but we know she's still an awesome bowler 
let's hope we see more players like linsey and tammy beaumont breaking through into the team - the future of english women's cricket looks bright! 
. I think it's great that Clare Connor is focusing on developing young talent like these players. They're gonna bring some fire to the pitch this year 
fingers crossed for a strong team performance at the T20 World Cup 
which basically means they're all fighting for spots 
can't wait to see what these young guns bring to the table 
. Bring on some fresh energy and excitement - we're gonna rock those ICC Women's T20 World Cups and Test matches! 
Freya Kemp's taking over the pitch 
Danielle Gibson's getting her groove on 
she's been on fire in the World Cup, and this is such an exciting opportunity for her to develop her skills even further 
? 
and I'm here. for. it! 
So I think it's awesome that Linsey Smith got her first full central contract! She's been doing great in the World Cup and now she's gonna get to develop even more with this new deal 
. Can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings! 
they deserve it after all the hard work they put in. its not all sunshine though - poor kate cross didnt get the recognition she deserved 
but clare conner is right, consistency is key and ill be keeping an eye on those players who can deliver that. cant wait for this year to kick off and see our girls take on india 
Tammy Beaumont's been on fire lately 
- England women's cricket is about to get even more lit