Essex County Cricket Club can confirm that Essex Women’s bowling all-rounder, Kelly Castle, will leave the Club upon the expiry of her contract.
Born in Southend-on-Sea, Castle leaves after dedicating more than fourteen years to Essex Cricket, making 131 appearances across formats.
The right-arm seam bowler made her Essex Women debut in 2011 against Middlesex at Hunts Hill Road in Guildford, where she lined up against current Essex Women’s Performance Director, Danni Warren.
Now 28, Castle has taken 81 wickets for Essex Women at an average of 21.03. Her best figures of 5-18 came against Scotland Women in the 2015 One Day Cup at Billericay, a match in which Essex defeated the international side by 34 runs.
Castle also made important contributions with the bat, scoring over 1,500 runs for Essex Women, including three half-centuries. Her highest score came in 2021 against Middlesex Women at Coggeshall, when she struck an unbeaten 77 from 88 balls, featuring seven fours.
Across Essex Women, Sunrisers, and England Development teams, Castle claimed a total of 211 wickets at an average of 21.87, underlining her consistency at every stage of her career.
When Essex County Cricket Club was granted Tier One status in 2024, Castle etched herself into history by becoming the Club’s first-ever contracted professional women’s player – a landmark moment for Essex Women’s cricket.
Reflecting on her time at Essex, Castle said: “Essex has been my home since I was 13 years old. It’s where I found my love for the game and I’m very grateful for the people who have been on this journey with me.
“Although I won’t be carrying on my cricketing journey with Essex, I want to thank everyone for the support over the years and I’m excited to start my next chapter.”
Essex Women’s Performance Director, Danni Warren, added: “Since signing her first professional contract with Sunrisers in the autumn of 2020 Kelly has always been a pleasure to work with and a key driver in the growth of first Sunrisers, and now Essex Women as a professional outfit.
“When you consider Kelly’s contributions to Essex over the years it is fitting that she became the clubs first ever professional player, a mantra she has always lived up to on and off the pitch.
“Kelly leaves Essex Women in a strong position and I am sure she is proud of all she has achieved whilst representing the club. I would like to add my voice to those thanking Kelly for her contributions, and wish her all the best for her next chapter.”
Everyone at Essex County Cricket Club would like to express their gratitude and thanks to Kelly Castle for her dedication and service to the Club. We wish her the very best for the future!
