Sophia Dunkley: Surrey and South East Stars batter handed first England central contract

England have awarded Sophia Dunkley, the Surrey and South East Stars batter, a central contract for the first time.

Dunkley is named on the 17-strong list for this summer, replacing Kirstie Gordon in the only change for what is a settled squad.

“The Central Contracts, along with the roll out of professional women’s domestic contracts, provide a fantastic opportunity to develop a larger pool of players pushing for selection and help strive for success on the field for England Women,” said Jonathan Finch, director of England women's cricket.

“We’ve continued to work closely with the England Women’s Player Partnership (EWPP) and the PCA to establish a comprehensive and objective process that underpins the awarding of Central Contracts. We will keep working in collaboration for the benefit of the players as we continue to grow and develop the professional women’s game.”

Dunkley has already made a century and 92 in three innings in the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy this summer.

England face India in all three formats over the coming weeks.

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