Winfield-Hill joins Essex on loan for 2025 Blast

England-capped batter Lauren Winfield-Hill has joined Essex on loan from Yorkshire for the 2025 Vitality Blast, aiming to compete at the highest level in what is anticipated to be a groundbreaking year for women's cricket in England. Winfield-Hill, a 2017 ODI World Cup winner with over 100 England caps and nearly 4,000 T20 runs globally, brings extensive experience from playing in The Hundred, Australia’s Big Bash League, and the Caribbean Premier League. She has also demonstrated her skills as a wicket-keeper, notably claiming 38 stumpings in The Hundred. Winfield-Hill expressed excitement about contributing to Essex and embracing the challenge of a new environment at Chelmsford. Essex Women’s Team Director Andy Tennant highlighted her global experience and mentorship as valuable assets for the team’s development. The move comes amid a restructuring of the women’s domestic competitions, offering Winfield-Hill the opportunity to play Tier 1 cricket this season.