Vipers Academy duo Eve O’Neill and Shristi Patil have each earned their first skilled contracts with Hampshire.
Leg-spinner O’Neill, 18, and batter Patil, 17, have each been a part of the Vipers Academy and have performed Tier 2 cricket with Sussex this yr.
O’Neill has claimed 12 wickets together with one other eight for the Vipers Academy this summer season, whereas Patil has racked up over 500 runs at a median of 44.
O’Neill was born in Southampton and has come by means of the Hampshire pathway and age group setups. She made her county debut in 2023, aged simply 15, however has but to play knowledgeable match.
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Actually excited
O’Neill earned a spot within the Academy in 2022 and has taken 65 wickets since her debut.
She was a member of the England U19s squad, which was captained by Hampshire’s Abi Norgrove, that reached the semi-final of the 2025 U19s World Cup; she took two wickets in three matches.
O’Neill was additionally a part of the 2026 Hundred competition when she was purchased by Birmingham Phoenix, though she didn’t play a match.
O’Neill mentioned: “I’m actually excited to be awarded my first contract with Hampshire.
“I can’t thank the coaches and workers on the membership sufficient for backing me and serving to me on my cricketing journey.
“I sit up for doing what I can to assist Hampshire win matches and trophies subsequent summer season.”
Wanting ahead
Batter Patil was born in Studying, got here by means of the Berkshire pathway, and joined the Academy in 2024/25 after two years on the Rising Gamers Programme.
Throughout the 2026 season, Patil registered one century and three fifties, whereas additionally claiming eight wickets.
Her century, an unbeaten 113, got here within the third innings towards Glamorgan Academy in a three-day match, which the Vipers Academy received by 21 runs.
Patil mentioned: “I’m actually excited to be becoming a member of Hampshire.
“I’ve actually loved my time on the Academy thus far, and I’m actually grateful to all of the coaches and workers for his or her assist and for serving to me enhance alongside the best way.
“I’d additionally wish to thank everybody at Berkshire, Sussex and Bradfield Faculty for the whole lot they’ve finished for me.
“I’m actually trying ahead to getting on the market, enjoying some cricket and hopefully serving to the group have a profitable season.”
READ MORE: Hampshire batter Ella McCaughan pens contract extension
