Somerset County Cricket Club have secured the signing of England international all-rounder, Dani Gibson.
A product of the Gloucestershire Pathway, Dani made her debut for the county in 2014 at the age of just 13. After a number of successful campaigns, she moved to Wales ahead of the 2019 season.
After making her way through Western Storm’s South West Regional Development Programme, she made her full Storm debut in the 2018 Kia Super League and was part of the squad that lifted the title the following summer.
In total, the 23-year-old represented Western Storm on 24 occasions in List A cricket, claiming 20 wickets with a best of three for 42 and scoring over 450 runs with a best of 76. In her 33 T20 matches for Storm she compiled more than 360 runs with a top score of 62 and took 28 wickets with a best of four for 23.
A former England Academy player, Dani made her full international debut in last summer’s Ashes series. She has since gone on to represent her country on 22 occasions in T20 cricket, scoring 147 runs with a best of 41 not out and claiming 10 wickets with a best of two for 22.
The right-hander has also played for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash and London Spirit in The Hundred.
Dani said: “It’s an exciting new era. I’ve heard from a few of the girls recently who have said that winter training is going great so far and I’m excited to be a part of that when I can.
“The South West region has done so much for my cricket. Trevor Griffin called me into the Storm team when I was just 16, I’m 23 now and to still be representing the South West is very important to me and I’m really grateful for this opportunity.
“Somerset have always been good at supporting the women’s game and it’s great to be aligned with Somerset. We’re looking forward to getting women’s cricket going in the county even more than it already is and the goal is to help Somerset win silverware.”
Somerset Women Head Coach, Trevor Griffin is delighted that he will be continuing to work with the all-rounder. “I’m thrilled that Dani has agreed to play for Somerset when her England commitments allow,” he said. “I’ve seen her game grow since she was 15 and there is plenty more still to come. A game changer with bat, ball and in the field, she’ll certainly be entertaining our supporters, and I can’t wait to join up with her again.”
Somerset Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry added: “Dani is a player of genuine quality, and we are pleased to have a player who possesses such a tremendous skill set across all facets of the game.
“She has gained a vast range of experience and developed into a truly three-dimensional cricketer, and last year’s international recognition was richly deserved. We look forward to the impact she can add to our environment and to seeing her continue to thrive at the highest level of the game.”
With thanks to Somerset CCC