Captain Connor joins Lashings

England skipper Clare Connor has signed for all-star club Lashings © Getty Images

England women’s captain Clare Connor has become the first female international cricketer to sign for all-star club Lashings.

Connor, fresh from receiving an OBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace earlier this month in recognition of England’s Ashes success last summer, joins a growing collection of cricket’s biggest names to join the Kent club.

She will play for Lashings’ World XI squad this year, and club chairman David Folb said: “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.

“She is held in high regard all over the world. We are delighted she is going to be joining us this season.”

Connor, who has played for England more than 100 times in Tests and one-day internationals, jumped at the chance to join Lashings.

“The invitation to play top-level cricket for Lashings is hugely exciting for me on a personal level in that it represents a very new challenge,” she said.

“To play alongside some of the best international players in world cricket will be a massive thrill.

“In broader terms, I think this opportunity shows just how far the women’s game has come - and I really am genuinely grateful to Lashings for that recognition. I hope this is the start of something very special.”

The 29-year-old all-rounder can expect a busy summer, according to Lashings’ team manager and former West Indies batsman Alvin Kallicharran.

He said: “Clare has a lot to offer the team - and out of the present 14-man squad, I cannot envisage a game that she won’t be selected to play.”