CRICKETher understands that Hampshire and Yorkshire Diamonds fast bowler Katie George has been awarded a full England central contract, including a shiny new Kia Sportage.

Twenty-year-old George has been part of the England squad since making her debut in 2018, but had previously only been on a “rookie” contract.

George, who opted for cricket over a potential career in football, played 2 ODIs and 5 T20s in 2018, but was set-back last autumn by a stress fracture of the lower back which kept her out of contention over the winter, and she has continued to suffer a succession of niggles since.

However, the England management appear to have demonstrated a clear show of faith in a player Mark Robinson has singled-out as a potential successor to Katherine Brunt by apparently awarding her a full contract ahead of others, including Bryony Smith and Linsey Smith, who have played this summer but remain on “rookie” deals.