Maia Bouchier and Danielle Gibson have been awarded their first England Women central contracts.
On Wednesday, England’s squad for a three-match T20 series against India includes batter Maia Bouchier on the left and all-rounder Danielle Gibson on the right.
Bouchier, 24, and Gibson, 22, have secured central contracts for 2023-24, making them two of the 18 players selected.
Mahika Gaur, 17, and Lauren Filer, 22, have received development contracts, along with wicketkeeper Bess Heath, 22.
After retiring, Katherine Sciver-Brunt is no longer under contract, and bowler Freya Davies has lost her deal.
The England and Wales Cricket Board stated that the contracts “make significant structural improvements to address player needs.”
The deals incorporate “improved family provision entitlement, a bonus structure rewarding success against higher-ranked opposition, increased retainer values, and equalized match fees with England men.”
In August, the match fees for England women’s internationals were promptly increased to match those of men, following a recommendation in the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket report. The report revealed that discrimination is “widespread” in English and Welsh cricket.
Turning 25 on Tuesday, Bouchier made her 50-over debut for England in the one-day series against Sri Lanka in September, having previously participated in the T20 series against the same opposition.
Gibson debuted for England in the Women’s Ashes earlier this year and has represented England six times in T20 matches. She also played alongside Bouchier in the T20 series defeat by Sri Lanka.
Gaur made her debut for England against Sri Lanka after previously representing the United Arab Emirates.
Fast bowler Filer debuted for England in the sole Ashes Test against Australia in the summer, while Heath made her England debut in the third and final match of the ODI series win over Sri Lanka in September.
Seamer Davies, aged 28, played once during the multi-format women’s Ashes and has not featured for England since July 1st.
Nineteen out of the 21 players with central or development contracts have traveled to India for the upcoming three-match T20 series and one-off Test. Fast bowlers Tash Farrant and Issy Wong are not included in the senior squad.
Farrant is currently recovering from a recurrent back stress fracture, whereas Wong played a crucial role for England A in a T20 series victory over India A last week, overcoming earlier challenges with her run-up during the summer.
The India series will serve as crucial preparation for England women before the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh scheduled for September and October next year.
Jonathan Finch, the Director of England Women’s Cricket, stated, “We award Central Contracts to players whom we believe will play a significant role over the next 12 months and beyond.”
“We are entering an unprecedented busy period of international cricket, and the group reflects the demands of the multi-format schedule ahead of us,” commented Jonathan Finch, Director of England Women’s Cricket.
“Maia Bouchier and Danielle Gibson have been part of our group over the summer, performed well, and will be crucial players for England in the future,” emphasized Jonathan Finch, Director of England Women’s Cricket.
England Women Central Contracts 2023-24
Tammy Beaumont (The Blaze)
Lauren Bell (Southern Vipers)
Maia Bouchier (Southern Vipers)
Alice Capsey (South East Stars)
Kate Cross (Thunder)
Charlie Dean (Southern Vipers)
Sophia Dunkley (South East Stars)
Sophie Ecclestone (Thunder)
Tash Farrant (South East Stars)
Danielle Gibson (Western Storm)
Sarah Glenn (The Blaze)
Amy Jones (Central Sparks)
Freya Kemp (Southern Vipers)
Heather Knight (Western Storm)
Emma Lamb (Thunder)
Nat Sciver-Brunt (The Blaze)
Issy Wong (Central Sparks)
Danni Wyatt (Southern Vipers)
England Women Development Contract list
Bess Heath (Northern Diamonds)
Lauren Filer (Western Storm)
Mahika Gaur (Thunder)
