England Women announce squad for tour of India

Bryony Smith (Surrey), Alice Davidson-Richards (Kent) and Katie George (Hampshire) have all been included in the squad, while Kate Cross, Tash Farrant and Amy Jones all return

Three players have earned their first England call-up as the team finalise their squad to tour India.

Bryony Smith (Surrey), Alice Davidson-Richards (Kent) and Katie George (Hampshire) have all been included in the squad, while Kate Cross, Tash Farrant and Amy Jones all return.

Two key omissions are Sarah Taylor, who will be rested, and Katherine Brunt who is unavailable for selection after suffering a back injury during the Women’s Big Bash League.

SQUAD

Heather Knight (captain, Berkshire)

Tammy Beaumont (Kent)

Kate Cross (Lancashire)

Alice Davidson-Richards (Kent)

Sophie Ecclestone (Lancashire)

Tash Farrant (Kent)

Katie George (Hampshire)

Jenny Gunn (Warwickshire)

Alex Hartley (Lancashire)

Danielle Hazell (Yorkshire)

Amy Jones (wicketkeeper, Warwickshire)

Nat Sciver (Surrey)

Anya Shrubsole (Somerset)

Bryony Smith (Surrey)

Fran Wilson (Middlesex)

Danni Wyatt (Sussex)

Coach Mark Robinson says he is pleased that the team’s schedule is offering an increase in competitive matches: "We've said for a long time that we need to play more games and it's exciting that we've been able to arrange this very competitive series outside of the ICC Women's Championship.”

“It gives us a chance to see other players and measure their progress and that also means we can rest and rotate. In Sarah’s case, she’s been doing really well and we always targeted this period as one where she can focus on her well-being in preparation for what will be a busy summer leading into the ICC World T20.

“It’s very exciting to have three new faces in the group – and to welcome back a few others. Obviously that means a few have missed out but they can use the time to their advantage and come back more strongly.”

FIXTURES

March 22 | 1st IT20: India v Australia

March 23 | 2nd IT20: Australia v England

March 25 | 3rd IT20: India v England

March 26 | 4th IT20: India v Australia

March 28 | 5th IT20: Australia v England

March 29 | 6th IT20: India v England

March 31 | IT20 Final

April 6 | 1st ODI: India v England

April 9 | 2nd ODI: India v England

April 12 | 3rd ODI: India v England

Subscribe to The Cricketer for exclusive content every day: The inside track on England's Test tour with George Dobell in Pakistan, award-winning analysis, breaking news and interviews and the only place for in-depth county coverage all year round. Plus: An ad-free app experience at your fingertips. Subscribe to thecricketer.com today for just £1.