Hampshire 17-year-old cricketer signs professional contract

Hampshire all-rounder Eliza Bristowe, 17, has signed a six-month summer deal with the club after progressing through the Vipers Academy.

Last season, she scored 151 runs and took 13 wickets for the academy.

Eliza Bristowe, 17, has signed a six-month summer deal. (Image: Hampshire Cricket/Dave Vokes)

Bristowe said: “I’m really excited to be awarded my first contract with Hampshire.

“I can’t thank the coaches and staff at the club enough for backing me and helping me on my cricketing journey.

“I look forward to doing what I can to help Hampshire win matches and trophies this summer.”

She was also part of the England Women U19s squad for a tri-series against Sri Lanka and Australia, taking six wickets in five matches.

Adam Carty, regional director of women’s cricket, praised her potential.

Mr Carty said: “Eliza is a player of huge potential and shows maturity way beyond her years both on and off the pitch.

“She appears to improve with every session as a progressive seamer and very useful lower middle order batter with the definite potential to bat higher in time.

“She’s a natural athlete with a strong growth mindset.

“We are very excited about where she may go in the game.”

Playing for Berkshire in the Vitality T20 County Cup last summer, Bristowe made 50 against Cornwall in the opening round.