In an upbeat message released on December 3, 2025, Hampshire’s Linsey Smith is one of seventeen players to receive a full England Women’s central contract for 2025-2026.
The left-arm spinner has achieved a milestone as one of English cricket’s rising stars for securing the first central contract after playing a total of 34 one-day and T20 internationals for England.
Four players have been given skills contracts, with all-rounder Em Arlott and batsman Emma Lamb both getting their first.
For a change from last year, the English women have chosen not to extend a two-year contract to any of their players.
Ten players have been given new one-year contracts, while seven players are entering the second year of their current term.
Player Bowler Kate Cross revealed in September 2025 that she would lose her central contract.
While England women’s team general manager Clare Connor said Cross had “delivered exceptional service to the women’s game over many years and the door to selection is not closed to any domestic cricketer.”
Connor said: “It is a hugely exciting year for the England women, and the awarding of these contracts reflects our confidence in this group of players, with our collective focus firmly on winning the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on home soil next summer.
Skills contracts allow the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to manage the workload and development of those players in partnership with their county sides, effectively placing them between a domestic and a fully central contract.
“Linsey Smith, Emma Lamb and Em Arlott have all made significant contributions to England over the past year, and these contracts are both a reward for what they have achieved and an opportunity to further develop their skills,” said Connor.
