Lane names World Cup squad

England head coach Mark Lane has seen his side go 14 games without defeat

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England women’s head coach Mark Lane has made one change to the victorious summer squad by naming the uncapped wicketkeeper Lauren Griffiths in the 15-player party for the ICC Women’s World Cup to be held in Australia in March.

Griffiths, who plays her cricket for Cheshire and was part of this summer’s academy squad, will provide back-up for Sarah Taylor if required. Lynsey Askew is the unlucky player to miss out.

New inclusion Griffiths was delighted to be given the news.

“Playing for England has always been something I've dreamt of," she said. "It’s a great honour to be selected in the squad, especially for a World Cup.

“I’m out in Australia already playing cricket and training in Victoria for the winter in preparation for the tournament.

“I was so surprised to be included in the squad, but it’s a great opportunity and I’m really looking forward to touring with this set of players.”

England are in an excellent position ahead of the World Cup having not lost a series all year.

After retaining the Ashes in February, England followed that up with a 3-1 series win over New Zealand.

In July they beat the West Indies 1-0 at Loughborough before smashing both South Africa and India 4-0. They are currently unbeaten in 14 one-day internationals.

England women celebrate beating India 4-0 - the same result they achieved against South Africa

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Captain Charlotte Edwards capped off a fine year by winning the coveted ICC Women’s Player of the Year Award.

“It’s such an exciting time for us as a squad with these two forthcoming global tournaments," she said.

“We’ve got a great blend of youth and experience going to the World Cup in Australia and we’ll be looking to continue our success of 2008.

“It won’t be easy, but we’re well prepared and know what we have to do to ensure we’re all performing at our optimum when we arrive in February.”

Lane has been concentrating on the World Cup since taking over in charge and hopes to bring the trophy back to England.

“All our focus this year has been on the World Cup and the ICC World Twenty20," he said. "Everything we have done over the past 12 months has been for these two global tournaments.

“It will be a tough but exciting competition as the standard of women’s cricket is continually improving and there are four or five teams who on their day could all become world champions.”

England squad