Sophia Dunkley’s exploits in the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy earned her a central contract for England Women. For South East, Dunkley has scored 92, 0, and 104 not out so far in the tournament. Dunkley is among 17 players to bag the central deal for 2021/22.
Dunkley was part of the England squad that toured New Zealand earlier this year. She featured in all three T20Is. She has played 15 T20Is so far, but is yet to make her ODI debut.
Katie George, Georgia Elwiss and Lauren Winfield-Hill have managed to retain their contracts as well. Neither George nor Elwiss has featured for England since 2018 owing to injuries.
One omission from the list of contracts has been of Kirstie Gordon, despite her four wickets against Thunders to set up an easy victory for the Lightning. Instead, ECB preferred Sarah Glenn and Mady Villiers to complete the spin attack, led by Sophie Ecclestone.
England have a busy summer ahead, starting with a Test match against India in Bristol, followed by three ODIs and as many T20Is.
England central contracts list: Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Kate Cross, Freya Davies, Sophia Dunkley, Katie George, Danni Wyatt, Heather Knight, Amy Jones, Anya Shrubsole, Sophie Ecclestone, Georgia Elwiss, Sarah Glenn, Nat Sciver, Mady Villiers, Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield-Hill.