Beth Heath and Freya Kemp have both been included in the England squad for the Women's T20 World Cup in the UAE in October.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Heath and all-rounder Kemp are among those making their debuts in the tournament, while Daniel Gibson, who was an away substitute when England reached the semi-finals in South Africa last year, is included in the full 15-man squad.
However, opening batsman Tammy Beaumont and seamer Kate Cross, both of whom were part of the South African squad, are among those who have been left out of the selection. But coach John Lewis insists the door is still open for players who are not included.
“It’s been incredibly difficult and challenging to select a team and squad with these players,” Lewis said.
“There are some players who unfortunately have been left out who will play a huge part in what we do in English cricket going forward.
“With 15 players selected, I think we will have a really well-balanced squad in terms of experience, youth and most importantly the skills to cope and excel in the situations we will face in the UAE.”
Lindsey Smith, who returned to the England squad earlier this year, is part of the team's spin bowling attack alongside Sophie Ecclestone, the 2023 tournament's leading wicket-taker.
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Sky Sports' Charlotte Edwards and Catherine Skever-Brunt predict England's XI for the opening T20 World Cup match.
Power hitter Heath and Kemp, who took the most wickets in the women's Hundred this year, will both join England in their preparations for the tournament by taking part in a one-day international in Ireland before heading to Abu Dhabi for a pre-World Cup training camp from September 13-24.
This year's global tournament, which was moved from Bangladesh to the UAE due to political unrest, begins on October 5 with Bangladesh taking on England, with Heather Knight's side playing South Africa, Scotland and West Indies in Group B.
“The World Cup is always a special event to be a part of as a player and I am absolutely thrilled to be selected to be part of the squad that will be going to the UAE,” Knight said.
“It is an honour to lead the team to another World Cup and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
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Highlights from Kia Oval as England swept the series against New Zealand in this summer's T20I series
Cross will lead England in the ODI and T20 series against Ireland next month, starting with three 50-over games in Belfast followed by three T20Is in Dublin.
The 32-year-old captain's side is made up of a mix of young and experienced players, with Hana Baker, Ryanna McDonald-Gay and Paige Schofield all set to make their senior international debuts in both caps.
Another newcomer, Georgia Davis, has been included only in the ODIs, while potential debutants Karis Pavli, Georgia Adams and Seren Smail have also been included in the T20I squad.
Mahika Gaur returns to the T20I squad after missing the matches against New Zealand and The Hundred due to a lateral groin injury, while Lauren Feiler is set to feature in the ODIs before joining England's World Cup squad for a training camp.
“This is an exciting mix of experienced international players, players who have played before and those who are yet to make their international debut,” said England Women’s Cricket Director Jonathan Finch.
“The increasingly complex and challenging nature of managing international player calendars throughout the year presents an opportunity for those who have worked hard to secure selection to be challenged on the international stage.”
England Women's Ireland Tour Schedule
- Saturday, September 7th: Ireland vs England, 1st ODI (Belfast)
- Monday, September 9: Ireland vs England, 2nd ODI (Belfast)
- Wednesday, September 11: Ireland vs England, 3rd ODI (Belfast)
- Saturday, September 14: Ireland vs England, 1st T20I (Dublin)
- Sunday, September 15: Ireland vs England, 2nd T20I (Dublin)
England Women's T20 World Cup Match Schedule
- Saturday, October 5th: Bangladesh v England (Sharjah)
- Monday, October 7th: England v South Africa (Sharjah)
- Sunday, October 13th: England v Scotland (Sharjah)
- Tuesday, October 15: England v West Indies (Dubai)
- Thursday, October 17th: Semi-final 1 (Dubai)
- Friday, October 18: Semi-final 2 (Sharjah)
- Sunday, October 20th: Final (Dubai)
Watch every match of the Women's T20 World Cup live on Sky Sports from October 3-20. Also stream it on NOW.
