Clara Amita Thaker signed a two-year rookie deal with Essex Women in June 2026, progressing from the Academy to the professional women's game.
A right-arm seam bowler, Thaker first came onto Essex's radar in 2022 through the Cricket East County Age Group pathway before progressing into the Sunrisers Emerging Players' Programme. She later moved to Northamptonshire, where she represented both their age-group sides and first team, making her senior debut.
In the winter of 2025/26, Thaker was selected as part of the inaugural Essex Women's Academy and has continued to impress with her performances both on and off the field.
Thaker's development has also been recognised at international level. Over that winter she was selected for the England Women's Under-19 training squad before earning a place in the squad for March's U19 series against Australia and Sri Lanka. She featured in seven matches during the series, claiming four wickets and scoring 43 runs.
On Clara Thaker, Essex Women's Head of Talent Development, Grace Melhuish, said: "Clara is a shining example of where hard work and deep-rooted commitment can get you. It hasn't always been plain sailing for her over the last three or four years, and every achievement she has made so far has been hard fought for.
"She is an absolute pleasure to work with, with a strong work ethic and a great sense of humour. She absolutely loves the game and plays club cricket at Dunstable Cricket Club alongside her brothers.
"A gentle personality off the pitch and a fierce competitor on it, the Academy staff and players are all so proud of her. We can't wait to see her sending up more Eagle celebrations at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground."
