England has named Freya Kemp and Bess Heath in their 15-player squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, set to be played in the UAE in October. Danielle Gibson has also earned her first World Cup selection, but fast bowler Lauren Filer missed out on a spot.
Kemp and Heath Selected for T20 World Cup and Ireland Tour
Kemp, an allrounder, and Heath, a back-up wicketkeeper, are also part of the team traveling to Ireland next month for a white-ball series. Kate Cross will lead that squad, which will include several debutants, as England’s World Cup players will be absent. The Ireland series, comprising three ODIs and two T20Is, could see up to seven uncapped players make their debuts.
England’s World Cup Preparations and Key Inclusions
England’s squad for the T20 World Cup reflects thorough planning over the last 18 months, with no major surprises except for Filer’s omission. Sophia Dunkley, recalled during the summer, kept her spot over Tammy Beaumont. Beaumont, who captained Welsh Fire to The Hundred final, will instead lead the squad for the Ireland tour.
Linsey Smith returns as a back-up spinner, supporting Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, and Sarah Glenn. Kemp and Gibson’s abilities as seam-bowling allrounders provide flexibility, which led England to leave out Filer, though she will join the pre-tournament training camp in Abu Dhabi.
Teenaged left-arm seamer Mahika Gaur, whose World Cup chances were affected by injury and school commitments, is included in the T20I squad for the Ireland tour.
England’s head coach, Jon Lewis, acknowledged the difficulty of selecting the squads, emphasizing the balance of experience, youth, and necessary skills. Captain Heather Knight expressed excitement about leading the team in another World Cup and facing the challenges in the UAE.
The squad to tour Ireland, led by Kate Cross, includes several players who could earn their first caps, like Georgia Adams, Hannah Baker, and Seren Smale. The coaching team for this tour will feature Jon Lewis (former Durham batter), assisted by Courtney Winfield-Hill and Chris Liddle.
England Women’s T20 World Cup Squad:
Heather Knight (capt), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt.
England Women’s ODI Squad for Ireland Tour:
Kate Cross (capt), Hollie Armitage, Hannah Baker, Tammy Beaumont, Georgia Davis, Lauren Filer, Bess Heath, Freya Kemp, Emma Lamb, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Paige Scholfield, Bryony Smith, Mady Villiers, Issy Wong.
England Women’s T20I Squad for Ireland Tour:
Kate Cross (capt), Georgia Adams, Hollie Armitage, Hannah Baker, Tammy Beaumont, Mahika Gaur, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Charis Pavely, Paige Scholfield, Seren Smale, Bryony Smith, Mady Villiers, Issy Wong.
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