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

County Championship: Essex use first injury substitute in tournament history as captain Tom Westley breaks finger

County Championship: Essex use first injury substitute in tournament history as captain Tom Westley breaks finger

The ECB's player replacement trial rule has been used for the first time in County Championship history, as Essex captain Tom Westley was replaced aft...

County cricket to trial replacement players in 2026, covering injury, illness and significant life events such as childbirth

County cricket to trial replacement players in 2026, covering injury, illness and significant life events such as childbirth

Teams will be allowed to use replacement players in County Championship cricket this year to cover illness and significant life events, as well as inj...

New Zealand complete record women's ODI run chase as captain Melie Kerr scores 179 not out against South Africa

New Zealand complete record women's ODI run chase as captain Melie Kerr scores 179 not out against South Africa

New Zealand completed the highest successful run chase in women's one-day international history off the back of captain Melie Kerr's stunning 179 not...

England's Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell receive cautions but Josh Tongue escapes action over clash with nightclub bouncer in New Zealand

England's Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell receive cautions but Josh Tongue escapes action over clash with nightclub bouncer in New Zealand

England white-ball captain Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell have been cautioned by the Cricket Regulator, but no further action is to be taken against Jo...

County Championship: Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley endure lacklustre starts to County Championship season - round-up

County Championship: Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley endure lacklustre starts to County Championship season - round-up

Ollie Pope's bid to regain his England place got off to a disappointing start as under-pressure Test opener Zak Crawley fell for just nine on the open...

PSL: Fakhar Zaman found guilty of ball-tampering after Lahore Qalandars penalised in defeat to Karachi Kings

PSL: Fakhar Zaman found guilty of ball-tampering after Lahore Qalandars penalised in defeat to Karachi Kings

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended Fakhar Zaman for two ‌Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches after the batter was found guilty of ball-tam...