Linsey Smith has signed her first full central contract with England Women, seven years after making her international debut, in what is a significant milestone in her cricketing career. The ECB released its 2025-26 contract list, with first-time skills contracts also awarded to Em Arlott and Emma Lamb.
Seventeen Players Awarded Full England Contracts
For the upcoming contract cycle, the ECB has offered 17 full central contracts, with 10 players receiving one-year deals and seven entering year two of their existing two-year agreements.
One-year central contracts for 2025-26:
Linsey Smith
Tammy Beaumont
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Maia Bouchier
Alice Capsey
Sophia Dunkley
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Lauren Filer
Mahika Gaur
Danielle Gibson
Freya Kemp
Players entering their second contract year:
Lauren Bell
Charlie Dean
Sophie Ecclestone
Heather Knight
Amy Jones
Nat Sciver-Brunt
Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Kate Cross Left Out After 12-Year International Career
As was expected, senior seamer Kate Cross did not feature in the list, having announced earlier that her contract would not be renewed. Clare Connor, managing director of England Women, reassured that Cross and any domestic player remains eligible for selection, emphasising that strong domestic performances will always be rewarded.
Linsey Smith’s Full-Circle Journey Back to England Colours
Linsey Smith last played a T20I in mid-2019, before spending almost five years out of the England setup. Her return to prominence began with selection for the tour of New Zealand in 2024, followed by an outstanding maiden performance: a five-wicket haul on ODI debut against West Indies in May. Her resurgence is now fully recognized with a coveted central contract.
Em Arlott and Emma Lamb Earn Skills Contracts
Em Arlott will be making her debut for England at 27; the home series against West Indies in 2024. Emma Lamb debuted in 2021, re-established herself in 2022 and returned from back surgery last year to regain favour under the new head coach Charlotte Edwards.
Both join Ryana Macdonald-Gay and Issy Wong on skills contracts, the revamped version of development deals aimed at nurturing future England regulars.
ECB Confident Ahead of 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup
Clare Connor said the newly announced contracts reflect the board’s belief in the squad as England look to emulate India’s recent home World Cup win, with the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup final set for Lord’s on July 5.
Connor praised Linsey Smith, Lamb, and Arlott for their growing influence:
These contracts reward their contributions and give them a platform to further develop their skills. She also acknowledged Kate Cross’s service, saying performance in county cricket keeps pathways open to all players:
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