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[Saba Sports News] The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) revealed the central contracts for England’s women’s cricket team for the 2023-24 cycle on December 4. New entrants Maia Bouchier and Danielle Gibson received their first central contracts, while teenage sensation Mahika Gaur, fast bowler Lauren Filer, and wicketkeeper-batter Bess Heath were added under special development contracts.
Bouchier, part of the national team for three years, impressed with a 95-run innings against Sri Lanka. Gibson, debuting in Ashes 2023, played a pivotal role in the T20I series win at Lord’s. The contracts follow the retirement of Katherine Sciver-Brunt and the absence of seamer Freya Davies from the list.
Jonathan Finch, ECB’s Director of England Women’s Cricket, emphasized the selection for significant roles in the coming months, considering the busy international cricket schedule. Tash Farrant retains her contract despite not playing internationally since 2021 due to injury, and Issy Wong remains contracted after a challenging season.
The development contracts, introduced for additional support, include Gaur, Heath, and Filer. The contracts, valid until October 31, 2024, feature enhanced family provisions, bonuses for success against higher-ranked teams, increased retainers, and equal match fees to male counterparts.
The central contract list includes Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt, and others. Heath, Filer, and Gaur hold development contracts