Six players earn first England Women Central Contract

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have announced the England Women Central Contracts for 2022/23.

Eighteen contracts have been awarded. Six players have been awarded their first England Women Central Contract: Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Freya Kemp, Emma Lamb and Issy Wong.

It’s the first cycle in which the England Women Central Contracts have run from 1 November, in order to align with the professional contracts in the women’s regional game.

Increased investment in the women’s regional game means from 1 February 2023 there will be at least 98 professional women’s cricketers in England and Wales, 18 Centrally Contracted England Women’s players and 80 ECB-funded professional players in the regional game.

Tammy Beaumont (Lightning)

Lauren Bell (Southern Vipers)

Katherine Brunt (Northern Diamonds)

Alice Capsey (South East Stars)

Kate Cross (Thunder)

Freya Davies (South East Stars)

Charlie Dean (Southern Vipers)

Sophia Dunkley (South East Stars)

Sophie Ecclestone (Thunder)

Tash Farrant (South East Stars)

Sarah Glenn (Central Sparks)

Amy Jones (Central Sparks)

Freya Kemp (Southern Vipers)

Heather Knight (Western Storm)

Emma Lamb (Thunder)

Nat Sciver (Northern Diamonds)

Issy Wong (Central Sparks)

Danni Wyatt (Southern Vipers)

Director of England Women’s Cricket Jonathan Finch said: “It’s great to be able to share the list of Centrally Contracted England Women’s cricketers for the next 12 months, and huge congratulations to all those who have earned their contract. Introducing six new names on to the list of contracted players is exciting and provides a new look and feel to the group.

"We have a really exciting 12 months of cricket ahead and we feel this group of players will form the foundations of our side that will take us through various bilateral series, the Women’s Ashes and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

"Our thanks as ever go to the England Women’s Player Partnership and the PCA who continue to play an important role in representing the international players during our ongoing discussions.”