Thunder Academy intake announced for 2025/26
Lancashire Cricket is delighted to announce the Thunder Academy intake for 2025/26 with 13 players being selected for the group.
Amelia Buckley and Lexie Cantrill both joined the Academy last summer and have both been retained ahead of the 2026 season.
Buckley, who plays her club cricket for Ramsbottom, was added to the group following three centuries in Lancashire’s County Age Group programme and made 61 not out against Hampshire Academy in her first game as a part of the group.
Cantrill joins having previously been part of Warwickshire’s Academy. She was a high performer in the games that she did play in this summer, demonstrating great power with the bat. She was also selected to the Super 4s programme in August.
Tilly Kesteven has graduated onto a professional contract with Lancashire, becoming the 12th Thunder Academy player to do so.
Head of Girls Talent Pathway Stewart Davidson said: “I would like to congratulate all of the players who have either retained their place or joined the Lancashire Thunder Academy for 2025/26.
“Tilly has really earned her contact, through some outstanding performances in both the Academy and First XI. She has set a great example and been a real leader in the academy group with her behaviours and attitude. We look forward to watching her continuing to develop in the senior set-up.
“In addition to this, Maeve Jones has come off the programme after three years with the Academy. She leaves having won the County Age Group Under-18 double in consecutive years and contributed consistently with both bat and ball, as well as being an excellent teammate throughout. We'd like to thank her for all her efforts with the programme."
The group began their winter training at Emirates Old Trafford in November.
Thunder Academy 2025/26:
Olivia Brinsden
Holly Brown
Summer Carrington
Eliza Cottam
Olivia Cunliffe
Grace Hemsted
Emilia Lamb
Martha Rimmer
Amelia Sammons
Venus Weerappuli
Skye Thomas
Amelia Buckley
Lexie Cantrill
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