Wilson gets first England women contract

The ECB has renewed the central contracts of all 18 members of the England women's playing set-up, as well as added Fran Wilson to the list. England women became professional for the first time in 2014 and the second batch of contracts has seen little change in personnel.

The women's game continues to take forward strides thanks to increased investment. Several England players are participating in the inaugural Women's Big Bash League in Australia, while the ECB is currently evaluating bids to host teams for the Women's Cricket Super League, to begin in 2016. England have also appointed a new coach, with Mark Robinson leaving Sussex to take up the post last month.

England remain one of the leading international sides in the women's game but they have experienced a few setbacks since the advent of professional contracts. In 2014 they lost a Test at home to India and earlier this year Charlotte Edwards' side conceded the Ashes to Australia.

England have not played since the end of the points-based Ashes series and their next engagement is in South Africa in February, as they begin preparations for the World T20 in India. However, their schedule in 2016, when the new contracts come into effect, will be busier than ever, according to Clare Connor, ECB director of England women's cricket.

"Next year will be the busiest-ever 12 months for England women under newly appointed head coach, Mark Robinson, with overseas tours to South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka, the ICC World Twenty20 in India, plus a home series against Pakistan," Connor said. "The awarding of central contracts ensures that the squad will be as best prepared and supported as possible for each of those contests."

Batsman Wilson was first capped as a 19-year-old in 2010 but has not represented England since 2011. A series of solid performances for England Academy and Middlesex saw her called up during the Ashes and her inclusion will help increase competition among what has been a somewhat brittle batting line-up in recent times.

"We congratulate Fran Wilson on being awarded a central contract for the first time," Connor said. "She scored significant runs throughout the summer and has been a dedicated member of the England Women's Performance squad during the past 18 months. She thoroughly deserves to be awarded a central contract.

"The women's game continues to develop and move forward at an extraordinary pace and today's announcement confirms professional cricket to be an attractive career choice for talented female athletes."

England women contracted players: Charlotte Edwards (capt), Tamsin Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Kathryn Cross, Georgia Elwiss, Natasha Farrant, Lydia Greenway, Rebecca Grundy, Jenny Gunn, Danielle Hazell, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Laura Marsh, Natalie Sciver, Anya Shrubsole, Sarah Taylor, Lauren Winfield, Fran Wilson, Danielle Wyatt