ECB announces Women's Central Contracts 2020-21, Sophia Dunkley earns maiden call-up

The England Cricket Board (ECB) has announced central contracts for its women players for the year 2020-21. Sophia Dunkley has got her first contract after performing consistently in the domestic circuit for the last two years.

The England all-rounder made her debut during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2018 and has so far featured in 15 T20Is. The right-hand batter’s inclusion in the list is not surprising for those who have followed her journey with Surrey. In fact, the 22-year-old was pivotal in her team’s winning campaign in 2018 for Surrey Stars in the now-defunct Women’s Cricket Super League (WCSL).

The youngster is having a dream in this year’s Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy too, where she has already scored an unbeaten 104 for South East Stars against Sunrisers. Dunkley backed her ton with a 92 against Western Storm.

Jonathan Finch, the Director of England Women’s Cricket, is optimistic and looking forward to developing the women’s game with domestic contracts. “We’re pleased to confirm a strong group of Centrally Contracted England Women’s cricketers ahead of a really exciting two years for Lisa, Heather, and the team,” he said.

England looking to perform well against India

“The Central Contracts, along with the roll-out of professional women’s domestic contracts, provide a fantastic opportunity to develop a larger pool of players pushing for selection and help strive for success on the field for England Women.”

While the remaining 16 players name in the list is not surprising as they have consistently performed well in the last three years, Kirstie Gordon has missed out in the year’s annual contract list. England are one of the top teams alongside Australia and their recent series against the West Indies and New Zealand proved their consistency in winning games.

England will soon face India in an all-format tour starting June 16. First up they will play Test after a gap of two years.

England Women’s contract list 2020-21

Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Kate Cross, Freya Davies, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Georgia Elwiss, Sarah Glenn, Katie George, Heather Knight, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver, Anya Shrubsole, Mady Villiers, Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Danni Wyatt