Vipers Academy duo Eve O’Neill and Shristi Patil have both earned their first professional contracts with Hampshire.
Leg-spinner O’Neill, 18, and batter Patil, 17, have both been part of the Vipers Academy and have played Tier 2 cricket with Sussex this year.
O’Neill has claimed 12 wickets along with another eight for the Vipers Academy this summer, while Patil has racked up over 500 runs at an average of 44.
O’Neill was born in Southampton and has come through the Hampshire pathway and age group setups. She made her county debut in 2023, aged just 15, but has yet to play a professional match.
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Really excited
O’Neill earned a place in 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 also part of the 2026 Hundred competition when she was bought by Birmingham Phoenix, although she didn’t play a match.
O’Neill said: “I’m really excited to be awarded my first contract with Hampshire.
“I can’t thank the coaches and staff at the club enough for backing me and helping me on my cricketing journey.
“I look forward to doing what I can to help Hampshire win matches and trophies next summer.”
Looking forward
Batter Patil was born in Reading, came through the Berkshire pathway, and joined the Academy in 2024/25 after two years on the Emerging Players Programme.
Across the 2026 season, Patil registered one century and three fifties, while also claiming eight wickets.
Her century, an unbeaten 113, came in the third innings against Glamorgan Academy in a three-day match, which the Vipers Academy won by 21 runs.
Patil said: “I’m really excited to be joining Hampshire.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time on the Academy so far, and I’m really grateful to all the coaches and staff for their support and for helping me improve along the way.
“I’d also like to thank everyone at Berkshire, Sussex and Bradfield College for everything they’ve done for me.
“I’m really looking forward to getting out there, playing some cricket and hopefully helping the team have a successful season.”
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