Hampshire Women's 2026 T20 Blast Cricket Draft Preview
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Overview
The Hawks finished the 2025 campaign in sixth place with five wins and nine defeats. While they were in and around the qualification spots for much of the season, a run of five defeats in their last six games ended any hopes of making it to Finals Day; their season ultimately ended with a whimper.
They will be looking to put themselves in a similar position this time around but must "kick on" instead of falling away. Last year, the team showed promise with six players passing the 200-run barrier and three bowlers taking between 14–16 wickets each, providing a solid base with both bat and ball. Additionally, Amanda-Jade Wellington has joined as an overseas player following her stint with Somerset in 2025. With a strong crop of younger players aiming to build on a year of experience, the Hawks should provide better returns this season.
Banker / Wildcard / Young Gun / England Pick
Banker: Ella McCaughan (BAT)
A regular starter whose availability won't be impacted by international call-ups, McCaughan looks set for a solid campaign. She was excellent last summer, scoring a remarkable 317 runs in five innings at an average of 81.75 and a strike rate of 153.52. Her five knocks included three 50s and a century—one couldn't ask for much more. Averaging 37.60 in the One Day Cup, she is in excellent form right now.
Wildcard: Rebecca Tyson (BWL)
The cheapest of the premium Hampshire bowlers at £6.4m, Tyson ended 2025 as the leading wicket-taker after claiming 16 victims at an average of 22.50. She bowled the second-most overs of any Hampshire player last year, so she is guaranteed the workload needed to generate high points returns. She also has the second-most wickets for the team in this summer's One Day Cup with seven.
Young Gun: Abi Norgrove (BAT)
The 20-year-old batter showed glimpses of her potential last season, making 125 runs in seven innings with a strike rate of 147.05, including a top score of 54. She has kicked on this summer with 215 runs to her name—the most for Hampshire—which includes two half-centuries in five knocks. Valued at £5.4m, she is a great budget option who should be a regular in the starting XI.
England Watch: Linsey Smith (BWL)
A premium spin option for the Hawks, Smith is a member of England’s World Cup squad and the side facing New Zealand this summer. Valued at £7.9m, she brings the experience of 22 T20 international appearances. She only featured in two matches last season, so her availability will once again be the deciding factor in the returns she provides.
Potential Strongest Starting XI
No | Player | Role |
1 | Ellie McCaughan | BAT |
2 | Maia Bouchier | BAT |
3 | Abi Norgrove | BAT |
4 | Freya Kemp | ALR |
5 | Rhianna Southby | WKT |
6 | Naomi Dattani | BAT |
7 | Georgia Adams | ALR |
8 | Amanda-Jade Wellington (OS) | ALR |
9 | Linsey Smith | BWL |
10 | Rebecca Tyson | BWL |
11 | Lauren Bell | BWL |
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