Former New Milton Cricket Club player Charlotte Taylor has celebrated a landmark moment in her remarkable cricket career after being recognised by Hampshire Cricket for reaching 100 county caps.

Taylor, who began playing for New Milton as a U9, received her 100-cap award from Adam Carty, regional director of women’s cricket for the south-central region at Hampshire Cricket, at the counties’ award night.

From her early days playing in boys’ teams at New Milton to winning a major trophy with Southern Vipers and overcoming a serious knee injury, Taylor’s journey has been one of perseverance, achievement and a lasting love for the game.

“It means a lot to me,” she said. “I have spent so many years at the club and to have reached an important milestone and then represented the club professionally is a huge honour!”

Taylor made her Hampshire debut in 2010, aged 16, but admitted that reaching 100 appearances was far from her mind when she first broke into the senior side.

“When I was 16 and made my debut, I think I was just so excited to be playing in the senior team and contributing to the team. I didn’t really think that far ahead or where the club would be today, that’s for sure!”

She still remembers her first county appearance, away in Lancashire in 2010, when she batted at number seven and bowled a few overs of seam before later developing into an accomplished off-spinner.

“We played at a ground in Preston, and I remember batting at seven and bowling a few overs. I think we won the game, but I can’t remember much other than the sights of Preston!”

One of the biggest challenges of Taylor’s career came in 2017, when she suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The injury forced her to miss the 2018 season, when Hampshire went on to win the county championship.

However, she returned strongly and earned selection for Southern Vipers in 2020, going on to win another 49 caps in professional cricket.

“I suppose dealing with injury has been my biggest challenge. In 2017, I snapped my ACL and consequently missed the 2018 season.

“However, I bounced back well – so I am pretty proud of that!”

Her comeback delivered the standout achievement of her career. In the 2020 Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy final at Edgbaston, Southern Vipers defeated Northern Diamonds to win the competition. She finished the tournament as its leading wicket-taker, with 15 wickets in five matches.

“I suppose my time with Hampshire blends with my Vipers career, with my highlight being the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy final in 2020 at Edgbaston, where we won the final, and I took six wickets for 34 runs.

“In a time when Covid meant that my family couldn’t come to the game and had to watch on Sky, it was a surreal but amazing day.”

Taylor has also witnessed a huge transformation in women’s cricket since making her county debut, with players now enjoying greater support and professional opportunities, including the chance to play at major venues such as the Utilita Bowl.

“So much change has happened in my career at the club. The girls are now on a level playing field as the men, treated like professionals and getting good support from members. It’s amazing, really!

“Playing at the Utilita Bowl and other first-class grounds is a world away from the club grounds we used to play at.”

Family support has been central to Taylor’s progress, with her father, former New Milton CC chairman Steve Taylor, playing a particularly important role in helping her pursue her ambitions. She also credits former England international Charlotte Edwards, now England Women’s head coach, as a major influence on both her playing and coaching careers.

“I have been so fortunate to play alongside and under so many good people. My dad is a huge supporter and influence on my career, driving me all over the country to give me the best chance to make it as a professional. For that, I will be forever thankful to my entire family.

“I am also so fortunate to have been coached by Charlotte Edwards. She has been a huge influence not just on my playing career, but on my coaching career as well. Always there for support and guidance and now a very good friend – very lucky to have her in my corner!”

Despite her achievements at county and professional level, Taylor’s roots at New Milton remain a source of particular pride. She grew up playing in the club’s boys’ teams, following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, and still enjoys returning to see how the women’s and girls’ sections are developing.

“New Milton gave me my love for the sport, growing up playing in the boys’ teams and representing teams that my dad and grandfather had played in makes me very proud.

“I always like going back to the club to see what the girls are up to – it’s a hugely growing club for girls, and I am so pleased that they have the space now to thrive in the sport!”

Taylor’s message to young girls dreaming of a future in cricket is to enjoy the experience and the friendships they build, whatever level they eventually reach.

“I would say, just enjoy the sport and the people you meet along the way. I have met and continue to make new connections and friendships, and it’s the most rewarding journey whether you make it as a pro or whether you are just playing socially on a Friday night!”