England firm up T20 World Cup plans with New Zealand squad

Sophia Dunkley is recalled in the only change from the squad that whitewashed Pakistan earlier this summer

Nick Friend | 20/06/2024 at 15:58

England Women have given a hint as to their plans for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh by naming a 16-strong squad for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand, which constitutes the team's final match practice ahead of the tournament.

It has been a settled unit for much of this year, with Sophia Dunkley's recall after her omission from the Pakistan series the only change from that squad.

Freya Kemp is named and is fit to bowl, having featured earlier this summer purely as a batter, while Linsey Smith is the fourth specialist spinner behind the established, first-choice trio of Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean and Sarah Glenn.

Bess Heath, who has been on the periphery of England white-ball squads for the last year, is once again part of the squad, and she also offers wicketkeeping cover for Amy Jones.

Dani Gibson, meanwhile, has become an increasingly important option, with her ability to balance the lineup from No.7, providing a further seam option and showing her ability as a finisher against Pakistan. Her bowling is likely to be particularly important against the White Ferns, with England looking to manage the workload of Nat Sciver-Brunt in the buildup to Bangladesh.

"This five-match series against a strong New Zealand side is really important for us and also vital preparation as we build towards the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh," said Jon Lewis, England Women's head coach.

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^{Jon Lewis said last week that he was keen to manage Alice Capsey's workload ahead of the T20 World Cup (Getty Images)}

"We are pleased to welcome Freya Kemp back as an allrounder and we will hopefully see her bowl across this series as she returns from injury. Sophia Dunkley comes back into the squad after showing good form at regional level; she has earned the right to be in this squad."

Lewis also confirmed that Mahika Gaur, the teenage left-arm quick, would miss out with a side strain. Gaur, who remains on England's longlist for the World Cup, missed the series in New Zealand earlier this year to focus on her exams.

"We will look to have her in and around the squad preparing to return to play," said Lewis.

The series, which begins at the Utilita Bowl on July 6, ends at Lord's on July 17, with the other three fixtures taking place at Hove, Canterbury and the Kia Oval. Beforehand, though, the sides will play three ODIs beginning next week, the squad for which was announced last week.

England Women's T20I squad: Heather Knight, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice, Charlie ⁠Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie ⁠Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Sarah Glenn, ⁠Bess Heath, Amy ⁠Jones, Freya ⁠Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt

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