Bears Women have added batter Meg Austin and bowler Hannah Hardwick to their squad following a breakthrough year in which both made first senior starts.
Austin and Hardwick – both aged 20 – were awarded debuts for Central Sparks this summer in recognition of impressive displays in Sparks Academy and Second XI.
Top order batter Austin amassed 775 runs this summer in the Academy and Seconds – and helped Sparks win the Second XI T20 Finals Day with scores of 36 and 46, respectively, in the semi final and final.
She made her senior debut for the regional side on 4September this year when scoring 14 while opening the batting against South East Stars.
Seamer Hardwick – who was part of Trent Rockets The Hundred squad in 2023 – has been with Sparks Academy between 2021-24 and made her debut on 26 August.
And she followed that up with her first senior wickets on 2 September when she took 2/20 from six overs against the Blaze in the Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy.
Hardwick said: “I’ve worked hard in the Academy and was really happy to be given a chance with the Sparks this summer. To now be given a Bears Women contract is next level…it’s still taking time to sink in!
“I’m very excited to get going and will be doing all I can to force my way into the side.”
Austin added: “We have an exciting group of players and it’s a hugely proud moment for me to be part of the first Bears Women. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Bears Head of Women’s Cricket, Laura MacLeod, said: “Meg looked comfortable moving up to the senior side and comes with leadership experience having captained the Academy for the last few years. She will provide options in the batting line-up.
“Hannah has year-on-year been the best pace bowler in the Academy. She gets movement away and attacks the stumps every ball. She will give variation to a four-strong pace bowling attack alongside George, Wong and Arlott.”
Bears Women are one of eight Tier 1 sides that will play in a revamped national structure from 2025 as part of the England & Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) multi-million pound plan to expand women’s cricket.
To find out more and register your interest in Bears Women visit Bears Women page.
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