Fran Wilson has become the only new addition to the original group of 18 players who received a professional central contract by the ECB in 2014. The Middlesex batter has been in and out of the England squad since making her debut in 2010 and hasn't played for the full side since 2011, but has spent time playing for the Academy team.
Wilson was called up to the England Ashes side for the Test match at Canterbury last summer after scoring highly for the Academy, but didn't play in the match having not made the team. Following the loss of the Ashes to Australia, England have appointed a new head coach amid calls for the team to be selected based on form not past successes or reputation.
Director of Women's cricket at the ECB, Clare Connor, said that Wilson "thoroughly deserves to be awarded a central contract" at the announcement of this news and the renewal of the other 18 contracts. Connor continued, "She scored significant runs throughout the summer and has been a dedicated member of the England women's performance squad during the past 18 months."
2016 looks to be the busiest year yet since the team was awarded fully professional contracts, including the World T20 in India and away tours to West Indies and Sri Lanka. England will also welcome Pakistan for the home summer series and the launch of the Women's Cricket Super League which will be a T20 tournament in its inaugural year.
List of Central Contracted Professional Players:
Charlotte Edwards (capt), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Kathryn Cross, Georgia Elwiss, Natasha Farrant, Lydia Greenway, Rebecca Grundy, Jenny Gunn, Danielle Hazell, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Laura Marsh, Natalie Sciver, Anya Shrubsole, Sarah Taylor, Lauren Winfield, Fran Wilson, Danielle Wyatt.
Charlotte Edwards (capt), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Kathryn Cross, Georgia Elwiss, Natasha Farrant, Lydia Greenway, Rebecca Grundy, Jenny Gunn, Danielle Hazell, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Laura Marsh, Natalie Sciver, Anya Shrubsole, Sarah Taylor, Lauren Winfield, Fran Wilson, Danielle Wyatt.