SOUTHERN Vipers batter Emily Windsor will depart the cricket set-up at Utilita Bowl at the conclusion of the 2024 season to join Durham.

Windsor made her Vipers debut in August 2020 and developed into one of the most dependable middle order batters on the circuit, having accumulated over 1,000 runs at an average of over 31 across both the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and Charlotte Edwards Cup.

Windsor scored a career-best 90 against South East Stars at Hove, but fans will remember her innings in the 2021 and 2023 Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy finals that saw the Vipers over the line.

Her 47 not out where she hit the winning runs against Northern Diamonds with two balls to spare and an unbeaten 57 against The Blaze at Northampton in 2023 helped the Vipers lift the 50-over trophy for a second and third time.

Explaining her departure, Windsor said: “I will forever be grateful for being part of the Southern Vipers. In particular, the memories and friends I have made are something I will cherish forever.

“It was not an easy decision for me and I am of course very sad to be leaving my childhood club but feel it is now the right time in my career for a new challenge on and off the field.

"I am super thankful to all my coaches, teammates and staff involved at the Southern Vipers and Utilita Bowl for supporting, developing and backing me into the professional era of women’s cricket.

“To the fans, you have been amazing, thank you! I wish the club nothing but success moving forward and look forward to being back at the Utilita Bowl but this time in the away dressing room.”

Adam Carty, regional director of women’s cricket, added: “We wish Emily the best of luck for the next stage of her professional cricket journey.

“I respect her ambition for a new challenge and to secure a more senior batting role across both competitive formats. I hope she achieves this with her new county.

“Fondly known as ‘the finisher’ within the club, due to her consistent ability to close out matches with the bat, particularly on the big occasion, Emily's shoes will be hard to fill.”

Windsor also played over 100 games for Hampshire Women and won the Natasha Marisa Award in 2022 off the back of a stellar season.