Claudie Cooper has arrived at Headingley in confident mood having signed for Yorkshire women.
The former Surrey off-spinner has penned her first professional contract with the county ahead of 2025 and has started training with her new team-mates.
Cooper, 22-years-old, has left her home county following a successful period of senior cricket. She claimed 58 wickets for them in all cricket since debuting in 2019.
Four of those came in a career best performance (4-5) in a T20 win over Suffolk in July, something she counts as a career highlight.
“Also, just in general, I’m the second leading all-time wicket-taker for Surrey women, which is something I’m really proud,” said the Guildford-born star.
Cooper has signed for Yorkshire with her game in good order, though with plenty of room for progression.
Picture by Steve Bardens/Getty Images. Claudie Cooper in South East Stars colours.
She played 18 times in all cricket, including friendlies, for the South East Stars during the four-season regional era and has been a squad member with the Oval Invincibles in the Hundred.
“I’m really happy with where my bowling’s at,” she said, before talking about her versatility with the ball.
“I’ve played for Surrey since I debuted at 17, and last summer (2023) I played a lot of the T20 stuff for the Stars and was opening the bowling for them and was a key fielder as well.
“I love opening the bowling and setting the tone, taking early wickets and putting the pressure on the opposition. That’s where I feel like I thrive the most.
“But I can be used in all three phases of the game.
“I really enjoy boundary fielding, and I’m quite a reliable fielder.
Picture by Henry Browne/ECB via Getty Images. Claudie Cooper on Oval Invincibles duty.
“I will give everything on the pitch because I expect the same back when I’m bowling.
“This winter, I’m going to be really focusing on my batting because I want to contribute in that area as well.
“I just want to get out on the pitch and show everyone what I can do – take loads of wickets and win games for Yorkshire.”
This is Cooper’s first foray up north having lived down south all her life. But she is relishing the challenge.
She continued: “Yorkshire is one of those clubs which has always looked amazing to be a part of. When they approached me with an offer, I was so excited to get going.
“I’ve played against the Northern Diamonds a lot, and some of those girls are staying. It’s going to be really nice to play with them. Knowing some of the girls and how feisty they are, how much they want to win, this seems like a really good fit for me.
Picture by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images. Claudie Cooper has highlighted fielding as one of her strengths.
“I just want to get involved and keep growing to become more of a senior player.”
Cooper was recommended to Yorkshire by Lauren Winfield-Hill, who has spent time with the offie at the Oval Invincibles.
“I met Lauren when I signed for the Invincibles,” she said.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t play a game for them, but I’ve spent a lot of time with her and learnt a lot from her.
“She’s such a great role-model. When she got hold of me about a potential contract here, I was so excited.
“I really look up to her as a player. She’s got a massive amount of experience. I love the way she plays her cricket, how fiery she is on the pitch, and I think we work well together. It will be nice to finally get out on the field with her.”
Picture by Laura Malkin. Claudie Cooper and Ria Fackrell (pictured) will team up as Yorkshire’s senior spinners.
Cooper will have a fair bit of responsibility next summer as one of two senior spinners in the Yorkshire squad alongside fellow new recruit Ria Fackrell.
But it seems as if that’s something she will relish and be able to handle.
She has captaincy experience under her belt with the South East Stars Academy and Surrey and comes across like an ‘old head on young shoulders’ type of character.
“I’ve been told I have quite a big part in this team, which is amazing,” she added.
“I wasn’t so high up the ranks at the Stars, so coming into this group with more responsibility and seniority is very exciting.
“Rich (Pyrah, head coach) seems like a really exciting guy. He’s told me what he expects, and I’ve spoken to him about what I expect from him. I think it’s going to be a great relationship that we build.”
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com. Claudie Cooper will be working closely with Yorkshire’s coaching duo of Chris Brice (assistant, left) and Rich Pyrah (head coach).
Register your interest in a membership to support the Yorkshire Women’s team!
With Yorkshire Women set to play in Tier 2 in 2025, before moving into Tier 1 in 2026, the Club are in the process of planning for sustained success for the team. In the coming months, we will be unveiling a series of exciting updates including announcing some of the players who have committed to play for the Club.
As the fixture schedule and venues are confirmed, the Club will announce a new membership offering enabling supporters to follow every ball of Yorkshire Women’s 2025 home campaign.
To register your interest and find out more when the new memberships is released, click the button below:
