Hampshire Cricket has made an exciting commitment to its future by signing a two-year contract extension with 19-year-old seam bowler Poppy Tulloch, keeping her at the Utilita Bowl until at least the end of the 2027 season. This decision reflects a strong belief in nurturing young domestic talent.
Poppy’s journey through English women’s domestic cricket has been nothing short of inspiring. Born in April 2006, she progressed through the Hampshire and Southern Vipers development system, and her potential truly began to shine during the Emerging Players’ Programme in 2022. It was during this time that her skills as a promising seam bowler caught the attention of many.
Her path has been steady and marked by notable achievements. After playing for the Hampshire Academy in both 2023 and 2024, she proudly secured her first professional contract ahead of the 2025 season. This moment transformed her status from a promising youngster to a full-time professional cricketer. Poppy made her debut for Hampshire’s first team in the season opener against Warwickshire and then showcased her talent in a high-profile match against The Blaze at Trent Bridge.
In addition to her first-team appearances, Poppy spent a substantial amount of time enhancing her skills with Hampshire’s Second XI during the 2025 season, where she took 14 wickets in 11 matches, including impressive figures of 3-29 against Surrey. Her performances highlighted her ability to contribute effectively with the ball.
To further her development, Hampshire arranged a loan spell for Poppy at Glamorgan, where she continued to impress. Over 12 matches for the Welsh side, she claimed 16 wickets, with a standout debut performance of 4-28 against Sussex. Her consistent displays in both the One Day Cup and the Blast League Two demonstrated her readiness to compete at a higher level.
Upon signing her latest contract, Poppy expressed her happiness about continuing her journey with Hampshire. “I’m delighted to be given another two years with Hampshire. I’ve loved my time at the club so far as a full-time pro, and I hope to have the chance to play more first-team cricket over the next couple of seasons and make impactful contributions to our success,” she shared.
Her enthusiasm and dedication reflect a balance of gratitude and ambition. Poppy is committed to refining her skills and enhancing her understanding of the game, which has earned her praise from Hampshire’s leadership. Adam Carty, Regional Director of Women’s Cricket at Hampshire, emphasised her potential, saying, “Poppy is a tenacious and ambitious young cricketer who is learning all the time what it takes to progress in the professional game. This contract extension shows the belief the senior leadership team has in her.”
This vote of confidence is significant not just for Poppy but for the broader landscape of women’s domestic cricket in England. As the sport evolves and opportunities at both county and regional levels expand, counties like Hampshire are thoughtfully investing in their homegrown talent. Poppy’s contract is a testament to her past achievements and her potential to grow within a team that has a strong history of developing bowlers and all-rounders who excel in higher tiers of the sport.
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