Emily Arlott hopes to follow in the footsteps of Sarah Glenn

full-time domestic contract with the West Midlands region-based side, adding that it would allow her to reach her "full potential as a cricketer." The 22-year-old, who was one of four other players to be awarded a full-time contract with the Sparks, hopes to follow in the footsteps of teammate Sarah Glenn and make her way into the international arena.

“It’s an absolute dream come true (to receive the full-time contract) and something I never thought would be possible in my playing career," Arlott told Worcestershire CCC. “It’s a great step forward for women’s cricket and having the contract. As it’s now my full-time job, and main focus, it will enable me to reach my full potential as a cricketer.”

Having featured in the Sparks squad in the inaugural Rachael Heyhoe Flint trophy earlier this year, Arlott picked up three wickets in six matches. Earlier, in 2019, the seamer successfully recovered from a freak ankle dislocation during the off season to take 19 wickets for Worcestershire through the one-day championship. She was fittingly crowned the county's Women's Players' Player of the Year.

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Arlott, who has been in and around the England Women's Academy program for the last few years, said she has been inspired by the success of Glenn at the international level and hopes to emulate her achievements.

“It’s great to see Glenny doing so well and coming back from such a good Big Bash League campaign. I hope I can develop as a player and give myself the best chance to replicate that too, hopefully representing England one day,” she said.

Arlott is one of five players in the Sparks setup to receieve a full-time contract. The others are skipper Eve Jones, Marie Kelly, Issy Wong and Gwenan Davies.