Danni Wyatt-Hodge is set to don the Surrey colors in the upcoming Women's Tier 1 county competition, having transitioned from her previous association with the Southern Vipers based in Hampshire. At 33 years old, Wyatt-Hodge is currently in competition with the Hobart Hurricanes in the Women’s Big Bash League, following her participation in England’s recent T20 World Cup campaign held in the United Arab Emirates.
Last summer, she showcased her skills while representing Southern Vipers in key competitions, notably the Charlotte Edwards Cup and the Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy. Additionally, she participated with Southern Brave, another team from Southampton. However, Wyatt-Hodge has opted for a new chapter in her career by moving to Surrey for the 2025 season. Here, she will reunite with her England teammates Sophia Dunkley and Alice Capsey, enhancing their combined experience.
Wyatt-Hodge has expressed her enthusiasm for the transition, highlighting her admiration for Surrey’s storied history and successful culture, both of which she aims to contribute to as a player. The opportunity to play at the iconic Kia Oval holds particular excitement for her, along with the chance to engage the Surrey supporters. She noted that the positive brand of cricket promoted by the South East Stars was a significant factor influencing her decision to join Surrey. Wyatt-Hodge looks forward to making a mark with her new team as she embarks on this new journey.
Her cricketing credentials are impressive. Since making her debut for England in 2010 at just 19 years of age, Wyatt-Hodge has participated in 278 matches for her country across all formats. She has scored over 5,000 runs, establishing herself as a formidable force in women's cricket. In the realm of T20 internationals, she holds the distinction of being England's all-time leading run-scorer, amassing 2,979 runs in 164 matches, complemented by an impressive strike rate of 127.85.
Her journey in county cricket began at a young age; she debuted for Staffordshire when she was only 14. However, her career has largely been based at the Utilita Bowl since 2020. Looking ahead, Wyatt-Hodge is also scheduled to play for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the forthcoming Women's Premier League, having transitioned from her previous involvement with UP Warriorz.
Emma Calvert, the Director of Women's Cricket at Surrey, has expressed great enthusiasm regarding Wyatt-Hodge’s commitment to the club for the 2025 season. Her impressive career statistics speak volumes about her ability, and the addition of Wyatt-Hodge promises to enhance both the team’s on-field performance and the overall team dynamic. After discussions with her, it became evident that Wyatt-Hodge aligns perfectly with the ethos and style of cricket that Surrey aims to embody. Her anticipated contributions, both in play and culture, position her as a vital asset to the new team, and there is much anticipation regarding her achievements while wearing the Surrey colors.
This strategic move not only benefits Wyatt-Hodge by providing her with a new environment to thrive in but also positions Surrey as a strong contender in the women’s cricket landscape in the upcoming season. As her new journey unfolds, the impact of her return on the pitch will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. The merging of talent and experience among the players at Surrey could signal a new era for the club, raising expectations for their performance in the competitive landscape of English women’s cricket.