Aylish Cranstone will succeed Hannah Jones as Surrey Women captain for the 2022 season.
Although not formally retired, Jones has decided to step away from the game for the upcoming campaign to focus on her career as a personal trainer.
After stepping up as captain following the retirement of Cecily Scutt in 2018, Jones led Surrey to an unbeaten shortened season in 2020, including a London Cup victory at The Kia Oval & the inaugural 50-over London Championship.
During her career, Jones has also represented the South East Stars and Surrey Stars. She was part of the 2018 Surrey Stars squad that lifted the Kia Super League title.
Her off-spin has claimed 99 wickets in 113 recognised List A & T20 fixtures while she has scored 2025 runs across the same matches since her senior debut as a 13-year-old in 2013.
Before making that senior debut, Jones had played at several age groups for Normandy Cricket Club in Guildford and county cup cricket for Surrey at U13, U15 and U17 level.
She said: “I look back at my years as vice captain under Cecily Scutt and more recent years captaining the team with very fond memories. It has been an honour to lead the team and something I will miss.
“However, I am sure Aylish with her knowledge and experience will push the team forward to every success with the support of the incredible coaching staff at Surrey.
“My focus is now into my personal training studio with every ambition to open my own bigger facility in the very near future.”
Guildford-born Cranstone joined the Club in 2017 after beginning her county career with Hampshire before moving to Devon.
The left-handed top-order batter, now a professional with South East Stars, has been with Surrey for five seasons; playing a pivotal role in the county successes of 2020 and for Surrey Stars in the Kia Super League in 2018.
In 154 recognised List A & T20 fixtures in her career, she has scored 2911 runs with a high score of 134 not out.
On her new role, Cranstone said: “I am delighted and honoured to accept the Surrey captaincy for this upcoming season. It is a privilege to lead this great group of players as we work towards what will hopefully be a successful campaign.”
Surrey Women Head Coach Jonathan Batty said: “While we’re naturally disappointed we won’t have Hannah’s talent and understanding of the game in the team in 2022, we fully respect her decision to step away from the game this season. I would like to thank her for her dedication to the Surrey Women side and wish her all the best for the future.
“Aylish is a senior member of the squad now and a natural fit as our new captain. While her commitments across the summer means she may not feature in every fixture for Surrey, she will still be the figurehead and leader amongst the group on a day-to-day basis. I have immensely enjoyed coaching her with Surrey & South East Stars in recent years and look forward to developing our relationship further this season.”
Surrey Women will begin their season with three Vitality T20 double-header days in late April and early May before the 50-over London Championship begins on the 12th June. Our annual T20 London Cup against Middlesex will this year be played at The Kia Oval. Entry to all Surrey Women fixtures is free of charge.
