Bears Women have further strengthened their side ahead of next year’s debut season with the signing of impact wicketkeeper batter Abbey Freeborn and all-rounder Bethan Ellis.
Both Freeborn (27) and 25-year-old Ellis have signed from Central Sparks where they have been mainstays of the team in recent years.
Freeborn – a The Hundred winner with London Spirit last month – is one of Sparks’ leading run scorers having amassed 1,463 runs since joining before the 2022 season.
That included a career best 107 not out at Chelmsford against The Sunrisers in September 2023., one of only three centuries compiled by a Sparks player.
She said: “It’s the beginning of a big era for women’s cricket and I’m excited to be part of Bears Women for at least the next two years.
“It’s great to see the set-up and building on the work of the Sparks over the last five years. Edgbaston is an exciting place to be right now.”
All-rounder Ellis – a medium pace bowler – was Sparks’ joint-leading wicket taker in the T20 Charlotte Edwards Cup this summer with nine wickets.
She joined the Midlands club ahead of the 2023 season and has since scored 334 runs and taken 24 wickets, including best figures of 4/29 in a T20 against Southern Vipers in June 2023.
“It’s an exciting time and I’m looking forward to getting started with Warwickshire,” said Ellis, from Leamington Spa, who has played for Welsh Fire and Manchester Originals in The Hundred.
“As my home club, playing here since I was 12, it’s a club I really care about and to become a professional for them is something I’d always dreamed of.
“It’s an exciting time for the women’s game and for the team. I want to be part of the Club’s future and contribute to the growth of the team in the new set-up.”
Bears Head of Women’s Cricket Laura MacLeod said she’s delighted to have both players on board for 2025.
“Abbey has been one of our most consistent run scorers,” she added, “and again impressed with the bat this season, hitting three 50s.
“She showed what she’s capable of with her match-winning contribution against Lancashire Thunder at Edgbaston when she hit 71 off 57 balls against an international class bowling attack featuring Sophie Ecclestone.
“She’s also showed her versatility in all formats, including The Hundred, and has excellent hands behind the stumps. It typically goes unnoticed which is the sign of a good keeper
“Bethan is an all-rounder who has all the skills, plus the game and temperament to play well in pressurised situations. She gives us real depth in the batting and bowling departments.
“And she’s a proper athlete in the field, setting high standards for her teammates.”
To find out more and register your interest in Bears Women visit Bears Women 2025 – Edgbaston