Six players for the East Midlands-based Lightning have been confirmed amongst 41 professional cricketers in the women’s domestic game.
Nottinghamshire’s Lucy Higham joins Kathryn Bryce, Sarah Bryce, Bethan Ellis and Abbey Freeborn in signing a full-time contract with Lightning.
Representing Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire CCC, as well as Lincolnshire Cricket and Loughborough University, Lightning are one of eight sides who complete the ECB's elite domestic structure for the women's game.
Nottinghamshire’s Jenny Gunn, meanwhile, has agreed a full-time deal with Northern Diamonds, who represent Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland.
“The introduction of these 41 professional players, in addition to our 17 Centrally Contracted England Women’s players, is the most significant step forward for the women’s game in recent years,” said Clare Connor, ECB Managing Director of Women’s Cricket.
“In terms of the health of women’s cricket in England and Wales, we cannot overestimate the importance of these players having the opportunity to train and work on their skills full-time, with access to high quality coaching and facilities across the eight regions.
“Today’s news is not only wonderful for the players themselves, it represents a step change for our whole domestic game and for young girls who will now be able to see more opportunity and aspiration in front of them.
“When you add in the profile opportunity of The Hundred next year, the landscape looks even more exciting. After a challenging year in the wake of the pandemic, I’m really pleased with the progress we’ve made in 2020, just one year after launching our action plan to transform women’s and girls’ cricket.”
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It’s our great pleasure to declare that membership of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club for 2021 is well-and-truly on sale now, with top ticketing priority for our splendid international summer going to those who join our club.
