Cricket Dec 07, 2025

Linsey Smith: England's left-arm spinner receives first central contract with 10 players earning new one-year deals

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Linsey Smith: England's left-arm spinner receives first central contract with 10 players earning new one-year deals

Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith has received her first full England women's central contract for 2025-26.

The 30-year-old is among 17 players who have received full central contracts, with 10 players receiving new one-year contracts and seven players in the second year of their current terms.

Smith made her one-day international debut in May and featured during this year's World Cup campaign in India.

Four players have been awarded a skills contract, with Em Arlott and Emma Lamb getting their first, joined by Ryana Macdonald-Gay and Issy Wong.

Kate Cross, who has taken more than 100 wickets across all formats for England and has led the attack since Katherine Sciver-Brunt's retirement in 2023, opened up about

The 33-year-old pace bowler found out about the decision on the eve of the Women's Hundred in August and said it was the "toughest week of her career".

"Kate Cross misses out on a Central Contract after years of extraordinary service to England Women's cricket," said Clare Connor, Managing Director of England Women.

"The door to selection is never closed on any domestic cricketer. Consistency in scoring runs and taking wickets in county cricket will always put players in a strong position to be picked in England squads.

"Linsey Smith, Emma Lamb and Em Arlott have all made important contributions for England across the last year and these contracts are both a reward for what they have achieved and an opportunity to develop their skills further.

"We're all excited about what 2025/26 brings. Witnessing India win the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in their own country in front of their own fans is a powerful reminder of the impact that winning major events on home soil can have.

"The Red Roses too have provided that inspiration. So we know how huge an opportunity a home ICC Women's T20 World Cup is for us next summer.

"In addition, I know our players will all be striving to be involved in a historic women's Test match at Lord's against India."

(Entering year 2 of 2)

Lauren Bell (Hampshire)

Charlie Dean (Somerset)

Sophie Ecclestone (Lancashire)

Heather Knight (Somerset)

Amy Jones (The Blaze)

Nat Sciver-Brunt (The Blaze)

Danni Wyatt-Hodge (Surrey)

Tammy Beaumont (The Blaze)

Maia Bouchier (Hampshire)

Alice Capsey (Surrey)

Sophia Dunkley (Surrey)

Lauren Filer (Durham)

Mahika Gaur (Lancashire)

Danielle Gibson (Somerset)

Sarah Glenn (Yorkshire)

Freya Kemp (Hampshire)

Linsey Smith (Hampshire)

Em Arlott (Warwickshire)

Emma Lamb (Lancashire)

Ryana Macdonald-Gay (Surrey)

Issy Wong (Warwickshire)

Tags:

cricket news id:13478881

Share this article

Related Posts

Women's T20 World Cup 2026: England out to 'capture the nation' as Nat Sciver-Brunt looks to replicate Lionesses and Red Roses' success

Women's T20 World Cup 2026: England out to 'capture the nation' as Nat Sciver-Brunt looks to replicate Lionesses and Red Roses' success

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt hopes her side can "capture the nation" during the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup on home soil this summer.Exactly 100 da...

T20 World Cup: Rehan Ahmed 'adds value' to England after 'upping the ante' in dream debut against New Zealand

T20 World Cup: Rehan Ahmed 'adds value' to England after 'upping the ante' in dream debut against New Zealand

Rehan Ahmed was hailed for upping the ante in a match‑winning performance that saw England pull off a thrilling victory over New Zealand at the T20 Wo...

Alyssa Healy: Australia women's cricket legend ends one-day international career with 158 in win against India in Hobart

Alyssa Healy: Australia women's cricket legend ends one-day international career with 158 in win against India in Hobart

Australian women's cricket great Alyssa Healy ended her one-day international career with a sublime knock of 158 as Australia comfortably beat India i...

T20 World Cup: England take on India in semi-final with Will Jacks firing but Jos Buttler struggling

T20 World Cup: England take on India in semi-final with Will Jacks firing but Jos Buttler struggling

Finishing batting innings has not been a problem for England at this T20 World Cup and that is largely down to Will Jacks.The No 7 has been his side's...

T20 World Cup: England captain Harry Brook on India semi-final, Jos Buttler, Will Jacks and calmness under pressure

T20 World Cup: England captain Harry Brook on India semi-final, Jos Buttler, Will Jacks and calmness under pressure

Captain Harry Brook feels England coming through "niggly" games earlier in the T20 World Cup will stand them in good stead for their blockbuster semi-...

T20 World Cup: Finn Allen hits fastest hundred in tournament as New Zealand hammer South Africa to reach final

T20 World Cup: Finn Allen hits fastest hundred in tournament as New Zealand hammer South Africa to reach final

Finn Allen smashed the fastest T20 World Cup hundred, from just 33 balls, as New Zealand cruised into the final after ending South Africa's unbeaten r...