Grace Harris to Join Surrey Women for Vitality Blast
In a landmark moment for women's county cricket, Surrey has announced the signing of Australian international Grace Harris for the inaugural women's Vitality Blast. This acquisition marks Harris as Surrey's first overseas player in the new professional era of women's county cricket in England and Wales, and signifies a major step forward for the sport’s development within the region. The 2025 summer will see all men’s and women’s counties compete alongside one another in the Vitality Blast for the first time, creating a unified and exciting cricket calendar.
Harris: A Global T20 Powerhouse
Grace Harris, a dynamic batting allrounder, brings a wealth of experience to the Surrey squad. She has represented Australia in 62 limited overs internationals and is renowned for her aggressive batting style and deceptive off-spin bowling. Her skillset has made her a sought-after player in numerous franchise tournaments worldwide. Beyond her prominent role for the Brisbane Heat in the Women's Big Bash League, Harris recently shared the title of joint-highest runscorer for the UP Warriorz in the Women's Premier League (WPL). She is also a key player for London Spirit in The Hundred and contributed to Australia's dominant performance in the recent Women's Ashes series, where they secured a resounding 16-0 victory over England.
Surrey's Commitment to Women's Cricket
Surrey's Director of Women's Cricket, Emma Calvert, expressed immense excitement regarding Harris's arrival. “We are incredibly excited to be able to announce Grace as our first overseas signing for our newly professional Surrey women’s team,” Calvert stated. “Grace brings international and franchise experience which we believe will really add value to our squad both on and off the pitch. She plays exactly the style of cricket we look to play and I can't wait to see her wearing the three feathers at the Kia Oval this summer.” Harris echoed this sentiment, stating, “I can’t wait to take to the pitch with the team at Surrey and the Kia Oval. The club has shown a strong commitment to the women’s side and I know the team have been preparing hard over the winter. I’m really looking forward to contributing to the team and making the most of my time with them.”
Vitality Blast Format and Schedule
Surrey will compete in the top league of the women's Vitality Blast, alongside seven other Tier One counties. The format involves a series of home and away matches against each of the eight teams, totaling 14 group-stage matches. The top three teams from the group stage will advance to Finals Day, which is scheduled to take place at the iconic Kia Oval on July 27. Harris's debut match is set for June 5, as part of a double-header event alongside the men's fixture against Hampshire Hawks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the Vitality Blast? The Vitality Blast is a professional Twenty20 (T20) cricket competition in England and Wales. This year marks the inaugural season for a fully integrated women's competition.
- What makes Grace Harris's signing significant? She is Surrey's first overseas player in the professional era of women’s county cricket, bringing significant international experience and a proven track record in franchise cricket.
- When and where will Grace Harris make her debut for Surrey? Her first match will be against Hampshire Hawks at the Kia Oval on June 5.
- How does the Vitality Blast format work? Each of the eight Tier One counties will play each other home and away, with the top three teams progressing to Finals Day.
- Where can I find more information about the Vitality Blast? Visit the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) website for schedules, scores, and news: https://www.ecb.co.uk/