In a landmark signing, record-breaking England batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge has officially joined Surrey’s new professional women’s cricket team. The 33-year-old, who has enjoyed a glittering international career, brings a wealth of experience and star power to Surrey as the county prepares to embark on a new chapter in women’s domestic cricket.

Wyatt-Hodge has been a cornerstone of England’s cricketing success for over a decade. Since her international debut at the age of 19 in 2010, she has played an impressive 278 matches across all formats for England. A highlight of her career came in 2017 when she was part of the squad that clinched the ICC Women’s World Cup, a historic victory that captured the imagination of cricket fans worldwide.

In 2024, Wyatt-Hodge etched her name further into the record books by becoming England’s all-time leading run-scorer in women’s T20 internationals. She surpassed the legendary Charlotte Edwards to claim the top spot, cementing her legacy as one of England’s finest ever batters.

Now, Wyatt-Hodge will ply her trade at Surrey, a team that forms part of the revamped women’s domestic structure. From 2025, eight counties will host professional women’s teams, marking a significant step forward for the women’s game in England. Surrey, playing out of the iconic Kia Oval, is poised to be a key player in this new era.

Excitement for the Future

Speaking about her move, Wyatt-Hodge expressed her enthusiasm for joining Surrey:

“I love playing at the Kia Oval and can’t wait to entertain the Surrey supporters,” she said.

She also highlighted the appeal of Surrey’s dynamic playing style, which aligns with her own aggressive brand of cricket.

“The South East Stars’ positive brand of cricket was an important factor in joining the club,” Wyatt-Hodge added, referencing the team that previously competed at The Oval under the old domestic framework.

Her move to Surrey marks the end of a highly successful seven-year stint with the Southern Vipers, based in Hampshire. During her time with the Vipers, Wyatt-Hodge was instrumental in the team’s dominance, helping them secure five domestic trophies in just five seasons.

A Stellar Domestic Career

Wyatt-Hodge’s domestic career has been equally illustrious. She has represented a host of top-tier teams, including Nottinghamshire, Sussex, and Lancashire Thunder. Additionally, she has been a key player for the Southern Brave in The Hundred, further showcasing her talent in franchise cricket. Her experience and adaptability across different formats and competitions will undoubtedly bolster Surrey’s ambitions in the coming seasons.

Hampshire Loses Two Key Players

Wyatt-Hodge’s departure from the Southern Vipers comes as a significant loss for the Hampshire-based side. Alongside her exit, Hampshire also bid farewell to Charlie Dean, another vital member of their squad.

Dean, a 23-year-old off-spinning all-rounder, has been a standout performer for both Hampshire and England. Since her early days with Hampshire’s youth setup, Dean has developed into a world-class cricketer. She holds the distinction of being the fastest woman to claim 50 wickets in one-day internationals, achieving the milestone in just 26 matches.

Dean’s versatility has seen her feature for England in all three formats, further underlining her importance to the national team. Reflecting on her time with Hampshire, she said:

“I can’t speak highly enough of how important Hampshire and Southern Vipers have been in my cricketing journey.”

She credited the coaches and staff for their role in her development and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to represent Hampshire:

“Since I joined Hampshire as a teenager, the coaches and staff have been exceptional, and it’s been a privilege to call Utilita Bowl my home since 2017.”

Dean also spoke fondly of the team’s achievements during her tenure:

“The successes we’ve had as a team have been nothing short of incredible, and I’ll look back fondly on my time here.”

A New Structure for Women’s Domestic Cricket

Both Wyatt-Hodge and Dean’s moves come at a pivotal time for women’s cricket in England. From 2025, the domestic game will be restructured, with eight counties—Hampshire, Durham, Essex, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, Surrey, and Warwickshire—competing in Tier One. This reorganization aims to elevate the women’s game, offering players increased professional opportunities and fostering a more competitive environment.

Hampshire, one of the top-tier counties, will be keen to maintain its competitive edge despite losing two of its brightest stars. Meanwhile, Surrey’s acquisition of Wyatt-Hodge signals their intent to be a dominant force in this new landscape.

A Bright Future for Women’s Cricket

As the women’s game continues to grow, the moves of high-profile players like Wyatt-Hodge and Dean highlight the increasing competitiveness and professionalism in domestic cricket. For Surrey, the addition of Wyatt-Hodge not only strengthens their squad but also brings a marquee player capable of drawing fans and inspiring the next generation of cricketers.

The 2025 season promises to be a groundbreaking one, with new teams, structures, and opportunities reshaping the future of women’s cricket in England.