The England Women’s selectors have named a 14-strong squad for England Women’s upcoming Vitality IT20 series against India, with Lancashire left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone returning to the international fold.
Ecclestone bolsters a group coming off the back of a 3-0 win against West Indies, the first series in charge for Edwards and new captain Nat Sciver-Brunt.
England Women IT20 squad
Em Arlott (Birmingham Bears)
Tammy Beaumont (The Blaze)
Lauren Bell (Hampshire Hawks)
Alice Capsey (Surrey)
Charlie Dean (Somerset)
Sophia Dunkley (Surrey)
Sophie Ecclestone (Lancashire Thunder)
Lauren Filer (Durham)
Amy Jones (The Blaze)
Nat Sciver-Brunt (The Blaze; captain)
Paige Scholfield (Surrey)
Linsey Smith (Hampshire Hawks)
Danni Wyatt-Hodge (Surrey)
Issy Wong (Birmingham Bears)
Head Coach Charlotte Edwards said: “We’re really looking forward to taking on India. They’re one of the best sides in the world and it’ll be a huge test for us.
“There was lots to be happy about in the West Indies series but equally lots of things we want to keep improving on – we’re always looking at getting better. Five games against India in front of big crowds at great venues will serve us really well. This is a significant series for us with the countdown well and truly underway towards the home ICC Women’s T20 World Cup."
“It’s great to have Soph back, and we’re looking forward to having her back in the group. She has obvious qualities and she’ll be an asset to us.
“It does mean Sarah Glenn misses out, we are blessed with a strong group of spinners and we unfortunately can’t play them all. It’s now a great opportunity for Sarah to go back to The Blaze and play some competitive cricket in the Vitality Blast.”
England Women will take on India in five matches, starting on June 28 at Trent Bridge. A three-match Metro Bank ODI series will follow, with the squad to be confirmed at a later date.
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England Women v India Women IT20 series
Saturday June 28: 1st Vitality IT20, England Women v India Women, Trent Bridge, 14.30
Tuesday July 1: 2nd Vitality IT20, England Women v India Women, Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, 18.30
Friday July 4: 3rd Vitality IT20, England Women v India Women, The Kia Oval, 18.35
Wednesday July 9: 4th Vitality IT20, England Women v India Women, Emirates Old Trafford, 18.30
Saturday July 12: 5th Vitality IT20, England Women v India Women, Edgbaston, 18.35