Emily Arlott, a 26-year-old rising star in English cricket, has firmly established herself as a potent pace-bowling option who can also unleash a much-needed late blitz with the bat. In The Hundred 2024, she showcased her prowess by claiming 11 wickets, earning her the sixth spot among the top wicket-takers. Her explosive 22 off 12 balls against Southern Brave further highlighted her ability to change the game in an instant.
Since the formation of Central Sparks in 2020, Arlott has been a standout performer, consistently delivering match-winning performances. This season alone, she has taken 17 wickets across the Charlotte Edwards Cup and the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, cementing her status as a key player.
Arlott has now taken the next big step in her career by signing with the Bears Women, one of the eight Tier 1 teams set to compete in the revamped national structure from 2025.
Sharing her excitement about the move, Arlott said, “It’s a new era for women’s cricket, and it’s thrilling to be part of it with Bears Women. Having played around Edgbaston for the last four years with Sparks and Phoenix, it’ll be fantastic to finally call the stadium home. Wearing the Bear and Ragged Staff will be a proud moment, and I’ll give my all for the Club.”
Joining Arlott in the Bears women squad is another promising talent, 22-year-old Chloe Brewer, a pace-bowling all-rounder. Brewer signed with the Sparks ahead of the 2023 season after a successful tenure with SouthEast Stars from 2020 to 2022. This season, she has made an impact with 154 runs for Central Sparks, including a top score of 37 against Northern Diamonds.
Brewer, excited about her future with the Bears, commented, “I’m thrilled to have signed for the Bears and to continue my stay in the Midlands. There’s a lot of talent in this group, and I’m eager to contribute to the team. The future is full of possibilities, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store.”
Bears Women Director of Cricket, Laura MacLeod, expressed her enthusiasm about the additions, sharing, “I’m delighted to have both Em and Chloe on board for next year. Em is one of the most intimidating bowlers in the women’s game, with her pace, height, and movement; she always leaves everything on the pitch. Chloe, who started with SouthEast Stars, topped their batting averages in the inaugural season of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. She’s a talented batter who caught our attention when she scored runs against us. Chloe’s seam bowling will also provide us with valuable options.”
These two signings signal a bold new chapter for Bears Women as they prepare for the upcoming season.
(Quotes sources from edgbaston.com)
