Bryony Smith signs her first professional contract with Surrey as the new era of women’s domestic cricket is on the horizon.
The England Cricket Board (ECB) has laid out a blueprint to revamp their domestic structure as a part of their investment plan in women’s cricket. They are set to introduce a new three-tiered structure that will replace the current regional model from next year at the county level. She is now all set to become the first-ever women’s professional player for Surrey.
“We want you here, and we want you to lead this team, here’s the offer. I went away and thought about it, but it was a no brainer.” Bryony Smith opens up about her conversations with Surrey’s Director of Women’s Cricket Emma Calvert ahead of her signing for the club.
The 26-year-old from Surrey has finally signed her first fully professional contract with Surrey, having represented the club since the tender age of nine years. She made her senior level debut at the age of 16. She will also be leading her county club Surrey from next year onwards. “To say I’m a professional cricketer for Surrey is a dream come true. I’ve been part of the Surrey family since I was nine years old and cannot wait to lead the team out at the Kia Oval wearing the Three Feathers. The Club has some exciting plans for the new team and I think the structure is a really positive step for the growth of the women’s game.” The 26-year-old all-rounder Bryony Smith speaks about her dream come true moment after signing her maiden fully professional contract with Surrey.
She made her international debut on 23rd March in a T20I against Australia. She has scored 57 runs in seven innings so far in the T20I format and picked up a couple of wickets in five innings in the format. She made her ODI debut on 13th June 2019 against the West Indies. She has picked up one wicket with the ball so far in the format.
She was recently a part of the England’s Development XI in a warm-up fixture against Pakistan, ahead of the bilateral series against Pakistan, last month. At the domestic level, she is a part of the South East Stars in the Charlotte Edwards Cup. She was also a part of the Hobart Hurricanes in the 9th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League, last year. She was a part of the Welsh Fire side in the inaugural edition of the Women’s Hundred. She moved to Trent Rockets in the 2nd edition of the tournament in 2022.
She is currently the skipper of the South East Stars in the ongoing edition of the Charlotte Edwards Cup. They are currently placed 2nd in the points table and are currently unbeaten with 19 points to their name from five matches.
(Quotes sourced from Surrey Press Release and CRICKETher)
