London on 6 September : The England Women on Tuesday announced 14 players for the forthcoming T20I series with India beginning on September 10 with the fast-bowling youngster Lauren Bell earning her maiden call-up in the format.England are without the support of their captain Heather Knight, who is recovering from a hip injury suffered at 2022’s Commonwealth Games.
Nat Sciver will continue leading the team in her absence.
Another notable absence in the squad is England’s top wicket-taker in the format, Katherine Brunt, who will be absent for the three-match series due to her recovery and rest.
The 21-year-old Lauren Bell has been named as Brunt’s replacement like-for-like in the squad because of her outstanding performances in The Hundred.She was the second highest wicket-taker with 11 wickets in eight games, with an all-time high of 4/10.
The match against India will be Lisa Keightley’s final game as England women’s head coach.
“I’m looking forward to concluding my stint with this squad with an extremely interesting series in India.They’re a great team and we’ll need to do our very best to beat them,” said Keightley.
The 51-year-old Keightley also provided the latest information on Brunt’s exclusion from the back.
“After talks with Katherine, she felt the best option for her to rest throughout both the T20 and the ODI series.We are in full support of the decision with the aim of maximizing the physical and mental recuperation on the off of this being a very challenging year to date,” the coach said.
“That gives us a chance to Lauren Bell, who was outstanding in The Hundred, and with her, Alice Capsey, Freya Kemp and Issy Wong in the squad, we’re beginning to see a bunch of talented young players who are able to establish their place in the England team,” she added.
England will play host to India in three T20Is, on September 10 13 and 15 before three-match ICC Women’s Championship ODI series beginning on the 18th of September.
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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