11 hours Ago
LAUREN Winfield-Hill has backed coach Richard Pyrah to get the best out of Yorkshire’s newly formed women’s squad in 2025. The Stamford Bridge-born wicketkeeper batter is one of the county’s marquee signings ahead of their transition, penning a four-year deal to keep her at Headingley. Currently spending her winter in Queensland, Winfield-Hill will link up with her new teammates, including rising York talent Grace Hall, in March at a pre-season tour abroad.
The 34-year-old, who reached the Big Bash League final with Brisbane Heat, is a player known for challenging for trophies, both at home and abroad. She has won the County Championship, 50-over World Cup, Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Hundred during her illustrious career. And though Yorkshire’s emphasis will be on progression and development in 2025, the Yorkshire star is confident that in Pyrah, they have the right man to help them do just that.
“Rich is awesome,” she told the Yorkshire CCC website. “I’ve got a really great relationship with him. “I’ve worked with him before in the Kia Super League days (Yorkshire Diamonds).
He’s a great guy who is very, very passionate about this project. He will really develop players. “I did a lot of a work with him on my batting when he was involved previously, and we view the game similarly.
“He wants to push the game forwards and play an aggressive brand of cricket. He will stretch players, and that’s really exciting. “He has a nice manner about him.
He’s passionate and focused, but he has a real openness and calmness. I’m sure the girls will really enjoy working with him. “Him and Chris Brice (assistant coach) will form a very good coaching partnership.
” Winfield-Hill had attracted interest from Tier 1 teams but home is where the heart is for her. “It’s a really nice feeling knowing that I’m not leaving,” she admitted. “When I believe in something and I’m all in on it, that’s when it brings out the best in me.
That’s exactly what Yorkshire means to me, and it’s where I’m confident I will do my best work.”.
