BtB stories: Turning Point

After five years away from the England XI, LINSEY SMITH played a key role at the World Cup and now has her first Central Contract to boot. Ollie Collins reviews a whirlwind 12 months.

England has enjoyed a wealth of spin options in recent years – Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean and Sarah Glenn among them – but another has now earned her place in that conversation: Linsey Smith.

The Hampshire left-arm orthodox bowler came through the Oxfordshire pathway and made her England debut at the 2018 T20 World Cup against Bangladesh. Despite claiming 13 wickets in nine matches over seven months, she had to wait five years for another opportunity in international cricket – returning for the 2024 T20 World Cup – before finally making her ODI debut against the West Indies in May 2025.

The appointment of Charlotte Edwards as head coach breathed new life into the England side after a disappointing winter at the T20 World Cup and Ashes. The former PCA President brought with her vast experience from franchise and domestic cricket worldwide – and, crucially, she already knew Smith well from their time together at Southern Vipers.

“Lottie knows my game and how I work,” says Smith in conversation with Beyond the Boundaries. “She picks on form, so I stayed focused knowing I had to perform for Hampshire. When she told me I was in both squads against the West Indies, I was absolutely delighted. To make that breakthrough into the ODI setup was really pleasing.”

That debut came in memorable fashion at Derby some five months before this conversation took place. Hundreds from Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones set up a 108-run win, but it was Smith’s extraordinary 5-36 that saw England home.

“It was a massive moment,” the 30-year-old recalls. “I’ve probably not reflected on it properly yet, but I was just so proud – and having my family there made it even better. Dunks (Sophia Dunkley) presented my cap, and she took the catch for my fifth wicket, which came on the last ball of my spell. It all felt a bit fairy-tale-like, honestly. It was such a special day.”

England’s spin department remains fiercely competitive – and Smith is well aware of the standards set. Ecclestone (323), Dean (149) and Glenn (112) boast a combined 584 international wickets.

“The competition is huge and those three have done so well for so long,” she says. “I knew it wouldn’t come easy. I wanted my performances to speak for themselves – it’s about influencing games and doing the best I can for England. I try to stay focused on what the team needs and go from there.”

After impressing through the summer, Smith’s inclusion in the World Cup squad for India and Sri Lanka was just reward. In England’s chaotic opening match in Guwahati, she helped skittle South Africa for just 69 with a devastating powerplay spell of 3-7 from four overs, including two maidens – setting up a 10-wicket win.

“It was a surreal day,” she continues. “On the bus to the ground I had this moment of reflection, just thinking how lucky I am. This is where I’ve always wanted to be – representing England at an ODI World Cup. I’m still pinching myself; it was a great day.”

The tournament ultimately ended in disappointment with semi-final defeat to South Africa, but Smith looks back with pride on what she achieved, acknowledging there were lessons learned along the way.

Her performances with the new ball and at the death were enough to earn her a first full Central Contract – recognition of a breakthrough year that yielded 27 international wickets, including 22 in ODIs. For Smith, it was also a chance to shed any pre-contract uncertainty on the biggest stage.

“You feel a bit of an outsider when you’re in the team but not contracted,” she admits. “Even though my teammates kept telling me that was silly, you just don’t have that full confidence. Getting the contract is exciting – I can hold my head high knowing my game is good enough for the international stage.”

Having previously held a Rookie Contract in 2019, this was a milestone moment long in waiting. “Lottie pulled me to one side and said, ‘I’ve got some great news – congratulations, you’ve got a Central Contract. You deserve it because you’ve worked so hard.’ That was really special. She’s been such a big part of my career, so to hear that from her meant a lot and gave me a real drive to push on.”

Speaking from Australia, Smith has linked up with the Hobart Hurricanes for the Women’s Big Bash League, her next step towards next year’s home T20 World Cup. With previous experience at Sydney Sixers and both Melbourne sides – plus a 2025 Hundred title with Northern Superchargers – she’s well-placed to talk about franchise experience.

“Hobart’s a new squad and it’s an exciting opportunity. I’ll be bowling tough overs in the powerplay and at the death, and hopefully that puts me in good stead for the home World Cup. I was in the crowd at Lord’s in 2017 and felt so inspired by what I saw – it’s an amazing time for English cricket.”

With improved facilities, increased salaries, growing franchise opportunities and a tiered county system drawing more eyes to the women’s game, Smith remains optimistic about the future.

“It’s so inspiring for girls everywhere. As a kid, all I wanted was to play cricket for England, now it’s my career. The opportunities ahead are amazing. People say you have to see it to believe it, and that visibility is huge for our game. With a home World Cup and the Olympics on the horizon, it’s a fantastic time to be a female cricketer in England. Hopefully we can inspire even more girls to take it up.

“It’s been a really special year, for me personally,” she concludes. “I’ve not taken it all in yet, but I’ll look back and be really proud. The exciting thing is I’m still early in my international career with so much to learn. That hunger keeps me motivated – trying to win games for England. I’m just excited for what the future holds.”

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