Mahika Gaur and Lauren Filer handed over ECB central contracts

Gaur, the promising left-arm seamer, and Filer, England’s fastest bowler, are the only new additions to the 17-player group, having been on development contracts last year.

Three other players have been given development deals for the next 12 months, including Ryana MacDonald-Gay, who made her ODI and T20I against Ireland in September, and is currently in South Africa ahead of the one-off Test in Bloemfontein which begins on Sunday.

Clare Connor, general manager of the England women’s team, said: “As always, we have awarded central contracts to players who we believe will play an important role for England for the foreseeable future.

“We are delighted that Mahika Gaur and Lauren Filer have transitioned to full contracts, having been part of our group for the past year.

“Ryana MacDonald-Gay has had an exceptional year and the development contract provides her with the opportunity to continue to push her selection claim. “We look forward to working with all three players on the development contracts and their counties to ensure they continue their development.

“We have another important period of cricket ahead of us and believe this group of players have the skills to succeed in all conditions and formats, which will be essential as we look forward to a two-year period that includes the Women’s Ashes in early 2025. Multiples bilateral series, the ICC Women’s cricket World Cup in India and an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at home in the summer of 2026.

“This is another landmark year in terms of pay increases for England Women. We have been able to achieve another significant increase in the value of central contracts thanks to last year’s equalization of fees for men’s and women’s international matches across all formats. We continue to “Work positively with the England Women’s Player Partnership (EWPP) and the PCA and are grateful for both their support and challenge on these matters.”

Emma Reid, Board Member of the England Players’ Association, said: “The EWPP and PCA are really encouraged by the progression of standards within the Women’s Central Contracts, achieved through strong collaboration between the BCE and the players’ representatives”. Agreements lasting several years, which show the long-term commitment of the ECB and also of the actors who continue to prioritize the representation of their country.

“We are delighted to have worked with the ECB and the players to achieve the priorities of being well supported in their careers in England.”