Lauren Bell handed maiden England T20I call-up for India series

Captain Heather Knight misses out having undergone hip surgery while Katherine Brunt is omitted "to prioritise her rest and recovery"

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England have rewarded Lauren Bell for another successful women's Hundred campaign with a maiden T20I call-up for the India series.

The Southern Brave quick, who was the leading seamer in the tournament with 11 wickets for the eventual runners-up, comes in for Katherine Brunt who has been rested.

Captain Heather Knight's expected omission due to having undergone hip surgery is the only other change from the Commonwealth Games squad that finished fourth. Nat Sciver will continue to deputise as captain.

Bell's call-up comes after she made her international debut in the one-off Test against South Africa earlier this summer. 

That was followed by two outings in the one-day international part of the multi-format series, but the 21-year-old is now destined to debut across all three formats within just a handful of months.

England conclude their busy summer with three T20Is and a trio of ODIs against India, who claimed the silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The 20-over matches take place at Chester-le-Street, Derby and Bristol on September 10, 13 and 15.

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Bell claimed 11 wickets in the second edition of the women's Hundred (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

They are followed by the ODIs at Hove, Canterbury and Lord's - England women's first appearance at the self-styled home of cricket since the 2017 World Cup final - on September 18, 21 and 24.

The matches represent the final acts of Lisa Keightley's tenure as head coach after she opted not to seek a contract extension following just over two-and-a-half years in the role.

"I'm excited about finishing my time with this team with a really exciting series against India," she said. "They're a great side and we'll have to be at our best to win.

"After discussions with Katherine, she felt the best thing for her was to rest across both the T20 and ODI series. We fully support that decision with a view to maximising her mental and physical recovery off the back of what has been an intense year so far.

"That provides an opportunity for Lauren Bell, who was impressive in The Hundred, and with her, Alice Capsey, Freya Kemp and Issy Wong in the squad we're starting to see a group of exciting young players who have the chance to cement their place in the England team."

England T20I squad: Nat Sciver, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Freya Davies, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Bryony Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt


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