The inaugural season of the Women’s One-Day Cup, a professional List A cricket tournament in England, kicked off on April 19 with Glamorgan taking on Sussex in the curtain-raiser. As the competition gets underway, Surrey have bolstered their squad ahead of their season opener against Somerset on April 23 at Beckenham, signing Ireland’s wicketkeeper-batter Amy Hunter for the first seven rounds of the tournament.
Hunter, just 19, has already made waves on the international stage with her composed batting and sharp glovework behind the stumps. Since making her ODI and T20I debuts for Ireland in 2021, she has consistently impressed, amassing 977 runs in 36 ODI innings – including a career-best 121* – and 995 runs in 41 T20I outings, with a top score of 101*.
Her breakout moment came in 2021 when she became the youngest player in history to score a century in Women’s ODIs at just 16, underlining her potential as one of the most exciting young prospects in world cricket. Surrey’s decision to bring her in adds a potent mix of youth and international pedigree to their lineup as they aim for a strong start to their campaign.
Hunter joins Surrey fresh off an impressive campaign at the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025, where she reinforced her status as a rising star. She finished as the second highest run-scorer for Ireland, just behind Gaby Lewis. Accumulating 201 runs at an impressive strike rate, Hunter anchored Ireland’s batting lineup with consistency and flair. Her standout performance came against Thailand, where she top-scored with a fluent 76, further showcasing her ability to deliver under pressure on the global stage.
Surrey’s Director of Women’s Cricket, Emma Calvert, shared her excitement about the signing, describing Hunter as a promising young player who has shown excellent form on the international stage. She noted that Hunter would bring valuable depth to the squad, particularly in the wicketkeeping department, and expressed confidence in her ability to make an immediate impact.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Hunter said, “I can’t wait to join up with the Surrey squad and get a taste of English domestic cricket. It’s an exciting opportunity for me to share a dressing room with an incredibly experienced group that plays an expansive brand of cricket. I am hoping to contribute to the Club’s success early in the season.”
As the Women’s One-Day Cup kicks off its historic first season, Surrey’s acquisition of Amy Hunter signals intent and ambition. With her international experience, youthful energy, and hunger to evolve, Hunter’s presence adds an exciting dimension to Surrey’s campaign. All eyes will now be on Beckenham as the Irish teenager gears up to make her mark on the English domestic scene.
(Quotes sourced from The Kia Oval)
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