Leah Dobson

Exciting batter Leah Dobson joined Durham ahead of the 2025 season.

22-year-old Dobson heads to Chester le Street, having enjoyed two years as a professional at the Northern Diamonds and having penned a two-year deal in the North East.

A middle-order batter, Dobson has made 24 professional List A appearances and 27 in T20 for the Northern Diamonds – having made her regional debut in 2021 against Thunder.

A career best of 68 not out came against Western Storm during the 2024 season, as the Scarborough-born cricketer added to her career tally of three-half centuries.

She produced a hard-hitting 68 to propel Northern Diamonds to 281 for three in a match reduced to 43 overs a side by morning rain.

Dobson took it upon herself to play an aggressive cameo that gave the visitors the boost they needed at the right time. Striking the ball with impressive ferocity, Dobson plundered 14 off one Gemma Lane over and hoisted Niamh Holland’s first delivery over square leg for a massive six on her way to a 44-ball half-century.

Dobson and new Durham teammate Emma Marlow staged an unbroken partnership of 93 in 9.5 overs for the fourth wicket. Taking full advantage of the platform provided for her by the top three, Dobson finished on 68 not out from 50 balls, with a six and nine fours, as Diamonds ran up an imposing total.

She played her part for the Northern Superchargers in 2023 – making five appearances for the Hundred side as they reached the final.

A product of the Yorkshire pathway system, Dobson progressed through the Headingley youth system, scoring a youth high of 161 not out off 81 balls in an ECB Under 17s T20.