The Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) is delighted to announce the signing of international fast bowler Rachel Slater on a three-year contract.
Born in New York State, raised in Leeds and a Scotland international, the 22-year-old left-armer joins Yorkshire Women with top level pedigree both at domestic and international level.
Slater has come through the Yorkshire system, playing age-group to senior cricket with the county.
Rachel Slater of Northern Diamonds celebrates taking the wicket of Central Sparks’ Abigail Freeborn, in the Charlotte Edwards Cup in May this year.
She helped the Northern Diamonds win the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy title in 2022 and has played in the Hundred for both Northern Superchargers and, most recently, Oval Invincibles, helping the latter reach the semi-final eliminator in August.
At international level, Slater has just finished playing in the T20 World Cup with Scotland in Dubai and Sharjah and claimed two wickets from four matches.
“For me, personally, Yorkshire is the best place for me to grow as a cricketer,” said Slater. “I love it here, and I’m over the moon to have signed.
“This felt like the best decision for my career. I think what Yorkshire are doing as a club is amazing – on and off the pitch.
“I feel like this year has been a really good year for me, and I want to take that next step and do this consistently.”
Rachel Slater (front row left) celebrates with Northern Diamond teammates after winning the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Final against the Southern Vipers at Lords.
Earlier this summer, in the ICC’s Global Qualifiers event for that World Cup, Slater claimed 11 wickets in six matches – more than any other bowler in the tournament.
On a domestic front in September, Slater, batting at number 11, memorably helped the Northern Diamonds to a superb one-wicket RHF Trophy win over Southern Vipers at Headingley with a nerveless 18 not out as they chased down a 240-target.
Slater said: “I want this year to be my base level, and not just with the ball but with the bat.
“That will mean batting higher in the order and bowling in different phases of an innings – bowling the more difficult overs.
“I’m still only 22, but I want to take on more responsibility. I’ve been fortunate to have some great experiences for Northern Diamonds, during the Hundred and for Scotland, playing with many top players.
“I hope to carry on those experiences here and bring home trophies with Yorkshire Women.”
Rachel Slater of Oval Invincibles runs onto the field for the start of The Hundred match between Welsh Fire Women and Oval Invincibles Women at Sophia Gardens on July 28, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales. Getty Images
Richard Pyrah, Head Coach of Yorkshire Women, said: “We’re so happy to have signed Rachel, who brings with her dedication, international experience and a winning mentality.
“To play at a World Cup would have been an amazing experience for Rachel, playing on the biggest stage, against the best players in the world.
“Taking the new ball, swinging it left-arm, is gold dust, and you can see her development over the last year, especially.
“She has put in some really good performances for the Diamonds and for Scotland, and we’re delighted she has chosen to undertake a new challenge and join what we’re building here at Yorkshire.”
Everyone at Yorkshire Cricket would like to welcome Rachel to the Club and wish her the very best of luck with Yorkshire Women.
