Kent Cricket have announced the signing of all-rounder Kelly Castle for the 2026 season.

The 28-year-old joins Kent Women from Essex, where she spent 14 years of her career, making over 130 appearances at Chelmsford, and captaining the side for six years.

In regional cricket, Castle was a part of the Sunrisers team that won the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy in 2024, making 69 appearances before the change in the structure of the women’s domestic game. She was one of the first players to sign professional terms with Essex in their first year of ‘Tier 1’ status.

In her county career so far, the right-hander has scored over 1,500 runs and taken 81 wickets.

Further confirmation of Kent Women’s squad for 2026, including returning players and new signings, will follow soon.

On joining Kent for 2026, Castle said: “I’m looking forward to a new challenge at Kent, a county with a big history in the women’s game and one that has always held its women’s team in such high regard.

“I’ve started training with my new teammates over the Winter and it’s a great group – I’m sure that together we’ll start to build something special here. I’m especially looking forward to playing at the St Lawrence Ground in two T20 double headers this Summer!”

Kent’s Head of Women’s Cricket, Lucy Arman, said: “We’re delighted to have secured Kelly’s signature to be a part of our women’s squad this year.

“She has a lot of invaluable experience and is a proven winner – her time as a captain in both county and regional cricket will be extremely valuable to us as we build a competitive squad for this season and beyond.

“Kelly’s been training with Head Coach James Hockley and the rest of the squad this Winter, and both Hockers & I have been impressed with her skills and knowledge so far.”

Picture supplied by Kent Cricket.