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Laura Jackson joins Somerset
Somerset County Cricket Club is pleased to announce the signing of experienced seamer, Laura Jackson.
Following a successful trial, the 27-year-old will join the Club in February and is initially contracted until October 31st.
Laura, who represented Manchester Originals in The Hundred in 2021, learned her trade on the Lancashire Pathway and made her First XI debut for the County in 2016. She was the county’s leading wicket taker in the Twenty20 Cup in both 2018 and 2019.
Her performances for her home county saw her called up to represent Thunder in both the Rachel Heyhoe-Flint Trophy and the Charlotte Edwards Cup between 2020 and 2024.
In 37 List A matches she claimed 42 wickets at an average of 20.40 with a best of seven for nine. Her 59 T20 matches also yielded 42 wickets at 19.47 with a best of three for five.
After signing her contract, Laura said: “It’s really exciting. So many have people have worked really hard for a number of years to drive the women’s game forward towards professional contracts, so to be a part of that means a lot.
“I’m an opening bowler and that’s what I love to do. I spoke with Trevor and when I heard that Somerset were holding some trials it was a no brainer to come down and take part.
“Now that the women’s game is professional there will be added pressure, but that just makes you want to work harder. It’s part of the sport and that’s why you play it. I’m so happy with the new structure and it will be great for players and supporters to be able to develop a bond with their county.
“When I was younger, I used to get asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. I never said that I wanted to be a cricketer because it wasn’t really a possibility. I’m so proud that girls can now aspire to be professional players.
“I’m very competitive and I just want to win, so I’m going to put all my effort into doing that. I’m really excited to get that bond going with my new teammates and hopefully we can create a winning mentality.”
Somerset Women Head Coach, Trevor Griffin is pleased to have secured her services.
“I’m delighted we’ve been able to add Laura to our squad,” he said. “I monitored her progress for some time whilst she was at Lancashire and her signing is a result of running our observation day back in November.
“Laura can bowl across the three phases of the game, understands what it takes to compete and perform at this level and brings experience to our young bowling group.”
Somerset CCC Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry added: “Laura’s knowledge and experience will be of tremendous benefit to our playing group, and she will add further depth to our attack. I’m sure that she will be a valuable addition to the squad.”
