Academy take on Pakistan

The England Women's Academy will play three Twenty20 matches against Pakistan this summer.

The squad, coached by Paul Shaw, will take on their Asian opponents at Kibworth's impressive ground on June 1, 2 and 3.

The Academy have had a winter of intensive training camps at the ECB's National Cricket Performance Centre and will relish the chance to show what they have learned against full international opposition during what promises to be an exciting summer for women's cricket.

Paul Shaw will take charge of the academy side for three matches against Pakistan in June

This exposure to international cricket comes a couple of months ahead of their series of matches against a "Best of Europe" XI in August. This representative side will be made up of players from Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands.

The three Twenty20 matches will provide Pakistan with additional warm-up opportunities prior to the ICC World Twenty20 where they will meet England, India and Sri Lanka at the group stage.

Both Pakistan and the Academy will train on the morning of each game before play begins at 2.30pm.

Players from both the Academy and Pakistan squads will take place in a community coaching session during their time up in Kibworth.

Selection for the matches against Pakistan will be announced by 31st March 2009.