Clare Connor joins Lashings

Clare Connor, who was awarded the OBE in 2005, will play for Lashings this summer © Getty Images

Clare Connor, the England women's captain, is to play alongside some of the game's greatest names after signing for the club side Lashings.

Connor will become the first female cricketer to play for the club, which includes a horde of former and current international players.

"To play alongside some of the best internationals players will be a massive thrill," she told Lashings' website. "In broader terms, I think this opportunity shows just how far the women's game has come and I am genuinely grateful to Lashings for that recognition. I hope this is the start of something very special."

Connor, 29, led England to their first Ashes victory in 42 years in 2005 and was awarded an OBE in the New Year's Honours list, to add to the MBE she received in June 2004.

Lashings' chairman David Folb, was thrilled at the signing: "Out of all the great names that we have signed, both past and present, none has made such a major impact on the cricketing stage as Clare Connor who has been fundamental in raising the profile of the women's game," he said. "She is held in high regard all over the world, as she is not only a great player and captain of the present national side but also a charming person. We are delighted that she is going to be joining us this season."

Lashings also secured the services of the recently retired Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu, who is relocating to England. Connor joins the likes of Viv Richards, Curtly Ambrose, Chris Cairns, Mark Waugh, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis to play for the Kent-based side.