For someone like Emily Arlott, whose path has danced on the edges of international cricket, the journey has been anything but ordinary. Picture this: a passionate young girl wielding a cricket bat, dreaming of standing on the world stage. Born on February 23, 1998, she has built a name for herself not just as a right-arm medium-fast bowler, but as a symbol of resilience and determination in the English domestic cricket scene.
Emily’s story unfolded when she debuted for Worcestershire at just 15 years old. Imagine the pressure of stepping onto that pitch for the first time, but she held her own, taking a key wicket in what would become the first of many victories. By 2015, she was already a cornerstone of her team, ending the season as their joint-leading wicket-taker in the Women’s County Championship with standout figures. But if you think her journey has been linear, think again. It was in 2019 when she truly emerged from the shadows.
Having faced an ankle injury, many would have seen it as a setback. But not Emily. She came back swinging, claiming an impressive 19 wickets across formats and proving herself with the ball once more. Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed, and she was crowned Worcestershire’s Players’ Player of the Year for that season—a well-deserved recognition for her grit and hard work.
As the seasons rolled on, Emily seamlessly transitioned through different formats and teams. In 2020, signing a full-time domestic contract was a pivotal moment for her—a mixture of excitement and validation. The following year, she took her game up a notch, standout performances including a memorable 5/29 against Southern Vipers, which included a hat-trick. She became a staple in The Hundred, capturing six wickets at an average of 25.00, leading to her inclusion in the inaugural PCA Women’s Team of the Year.
The momentum didn’t stop there. By 2022, she had secured 15 wickets across formats, also making her mark with the bat by scoring a solid 63 in a List A match—her versatility as an all-rounder truly shining through. In The Hundred, she led Birmingham Phoenix with nine wickets, drawing attention and keeping her name in conversations for national selection.
2023 further solidified Emily’s rising stock in domestic cricket. She took 17 wickets in just 12 matches, including a standout 4/23 against Sunrisers. The following year, she reached a new high, clinching 23 wickets across England’s top domestic tournaments, making her one of the standout bowlers of the season. Notably, her impressive economy of 4.63 in the 2025 Women’s One Day Cup underscored her reliability and skill, especially in a league where high scores often dominate.
But it wasn’t all about bowling. During a critical One Day Cup match against Essex, Emily found herself in the crease when her team was floundering at 22-5. Instead of crumbling under pressure, she showcased remarkable resilience, batting for 40 overs to score her first professional century, ultimately turning the game around. This wasn’t just a hundred; it was her testament to perseverance.
Despite her impressive performances, selection for the England squad remained elusive. In 2021, she was on the verge of breaking through, picked for both the Test and ODI squads against India, and later part of the A squad touring Australia during the Women’s Ashes. Yet, the moment of her Test debut continued to slip through her fingers, notably after a COVID-19 diagnosis derailed her chances in 2022.
The emotional toll of these near-misses was palpable for Emily. It’s not easy watching younger players get opportunities while you’ve toiled for years in domestic circuits. Yet, she managed to view her setbacks as potential blessings in disguise, especially when reflecting on the breakthrough moments that awaited her. Unlike her contemporaries, she found herself constrained by the extraordinary talent of players like Nat Sciver-Brunt, who seemed to overshadow younger but equally skilled players.
But if there’s one thing that defines Emily, it’s her ability to navigate through adversity. In her mid-20s, she embraced a transformative trip to Australia that helped her shed self-doubt and emerge with newfound confidence. As the 2025 season began, she was on fire, demonstrating that she had finally arrived, with her performances speaking volumes.
Fast forward to today—Emily Arlott is no longer just a name on the fringes of selection. After earning her T20I cap and with the 50-over World Cup on the horizon, she brings not just skill but a mature perspective honed through years of hard work and determination. The wait has been long, but it’s that very waiting that has molded her into a formidable competitor ready to take center stage. With insights gained from experience and an arsenal of skill, Emily is set to make her mark on the international scene, proving that resilience and dedication can indeed pave the way to success.
Image Source: Emily Arlott @ Instagram
