WORCESTERSHIRE under 15s player Hannah Baker has emulated her achievement of 12 months ago by being selected for the West Midlands Regional Development Centre at Edgbaston.

Leg-spin bowler and top-order batsman Hannah, who made her debut for Worcestershire Women’s Rapids last summer, successfully fought her way through a regional trial to earn her spot for a second successive year.

The centre brings together the most talented youngsters and Kingswinford-born Baker is again the only County representative.

It represents the first step onto the England pathway and is a reward for all the hard work put into making the most of potential.

Baker will benefit from training at the centre and will also play for West Midlands Wildcats.

She has worked with Dan Such who is a development coach for Worcestershire Cricket Board and Rapids girls’ under 15s coach.

Baker has played for Staffordshire side Beacon for several seasons and last summer won the under 14s coaches’ award. Board cricket development director Tom Hill said: “It is great to see someone locally playing at such a high level.

“Hannah deserves massive congratulations in earning a centre spot for a second year running.

“It is testament not only to her ability but also to her work ethic and determination to make the most of her talent.”

Baker’s mother Lisa said: “We are very proud of her when you go to the trials and see the amount of talent there she has fought her way through to maintain her place.

“Last year she was 100 per cent committed to the centre programme and will continue to be.

“It was also great for her to make her debut in the senior women’s Rapids side. It was a fantastic experience for her.”

Baker attends Ellowes Hall Sports College, Lower Gornal, who are sponsoring her winter training programme.

The women’s and girls’ programme is also backed by Malvern Active.