England have had a change of guard in terms of leadership after the Ashes debacle, and even though the results have been mixed, head coach Charlotte Edwards expressed her optimism regarding the 15 players in the squad.
England confirmed their 15-strong squad for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup on Thursday, August 21, led by Nat Sciver-Brunt. It will be the first major tournament for Sciver-Brunt and Charlotte Edwards after taking the reins of the England women’s team since the Ashes debacle. Former captain and senior all-rounder Heather Knight has returned to the fold after being on the sidelines for the last few months due toย a tendon injury in her right hamstring.
Experienced batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge also returned to the side after missing the India series and so did the leg-spinner Sarah Glenn. Alongside Sophie Ecclestone, England have picked four spinners in the squad, also including Charlie Dean and Linsey Smith, with an option of using Alice Capsey if needed, looking at the conditions in India and Sri Lanka.ย
โConditions mean we have gone for the extra spinner and weโre lucky to be able to have such depth in this department, itโs fantastic to welcome Sarah Glenn back,” head coach Edwards said of Glenn’s return.ย “That does mean thereโs no room for Kate Cross, Maia Bouchier or Alice Davidson-Richards, which will be disappointing for them.
“Itโs also great to have Danni back in the squad, sheโs been in good form in domestic cricket and sheโll bring dynamism and depth to our batting, alongside Heather, who we are absolutely delighted to be able to select. Sheโll be a huge asset for us,” she added.
The venues are yet to be finalised yet as England were scheduled to begin their campaign against South Africa in Bengaluru on October 3. However, with the M Chinnaswamy Stadium yet to get a go-ahead since the stampede to host large-scale events, the BCCI and ICC are working overtime to finalise the replacement venues.
England squad for Women’s World Cup:ย Nat Sciver-Brunt (C), Sophie Ecclestone, Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Charlie Dean, Lauren Bell, Sophie Dunkley, Em Arlott, Linsey Smith, Sarah Glenn, Emma Lamb, Alice Capsey, Lauren Filer