Bears Women taking shape after young stars sign

The future of the first fully professional Bears Women is taking shape after three of cricket’s most exciting young talents signed for the new-look side.

briggford

2024-07-25T10:07:20.000Z

Hannah Baker (20), Katie George (25) and 19-year-old Charis Pavely have become the first three players to put pen to paper on contracts for Bears Women.

Bears Women are one of eight Tier 1 sides that will play in a revamped national structure from 2025 as part of the England & Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) multi-million pound plan to expand women’s cricket.

The trio have all won England honours.

Fast bowler George has seven caps – five ODIs and two IT20s – while Baker has played for England A and, alongside Pavely, was in the England Under-19s squad that competed in the inaugural Women’s Under-19s World Cup squad in South Africa last year.

All have progressed through the county age group Youth Pathway system to achieve their dream of becoming professional cricketers.

Laura MacLeod – who takes the helm as Head of Women’s Cricket next year – said she’s delighted to have all three on board as the club enters a new, exciting era for cricket in the region.

“Players like Hannah, Charis and Katie are the future of women’s cricket,” added MacLeod, “so it’s fitting they are among the first contracted Bears Women.

“All three have been Central Sparks players in recent seasons and last month helped us reach our T20 Finals Day. They have bright futures ahead of them, they’ve all played youth cricket for England, and I have no doubt they’ll enjoy more success with Bears Women.

“It’s a seismic shift in women’s cricket and we want to start life as Bears Women in 2025 on the front foot and playing exciting cricket.”

The number of recreational cricket clubs in the region with women and girls sections has more than doubled since 2021 from 16 to 33.

Hannah Baker – who started playing club cricket with an Under-9s boys team – hopes the expanding professional game will generate even more opportunities for girls to play and progress in the game.

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She said: “It feels amazing to not just be part of the first ever Bears Women but also part of a new movement in women’s cricket in this country. The sky’s the limit and hopefully the game will go on the same trajectory as we’ve seen in women’s football.

Katie George came through the ranks at Hampshire before making her senior debut in 2016 for Southern Vipers in the Kia Super League.

She took 18 wickets in the 50-over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy last season and scored 251 runs in all competitions.

“I started playing cricket in school,” added George, “so it’s encouraging that more and more schools are adding it to their curriculum.

And Charis Pavely – who made her Central Sparks debut in June last year – added: “The talent in the women’s game is outstanding and with the move to fully professionalise the top tier the standard is only going to get better and better.

“I can’t wait to be part of it! The girls Youth Pathway at Warwickshire has some exciting prospects so the future looks bright for Bears Women.”