England’s Smith earns first central contract

In a cheerful breaking released on December 3, 2025, Hampshire’s Linsey Smith is among 17 players to have received full England women central contracts for 2025-2026. 

The left-arm spinner has earned a milestone as one of English cricket’s rising stars,for earning first central contract after playing in a combined 34 one-day and T20 internationals for England.

Four players have been awarded a skills contract, with all-rounder Em Arlott and batter Emma Lamb both given their first.

For a change from last year, England's women have opted not to extend any of their players on two-year deals.

Ten players have received new one-year contracts, with seven players entering the second year of their current terms.

Player Bowler Kate Cross revealed in September 2025 that she would lose her central contract.

While managing director of the England Women's Team Clare Connor said Cross had provided "years of extraordinary service to the women's game and that the door to selection is never closed on any domestic cricketer."

Connor said, "It's an immensely exciting year ahead for 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 collaboration with their county sides - effectively falling between a domestic and full central contract.

"Linsey Smith, Emma Lamb and Em Arlott have all made important contributions for England across the last year, and these contracts are both a reward for what they have achieved and an opportunity to develop their skills further," added Connor.