(UTV|COLOMBO) – England have named three uncapped players in their squad of 15 for the Women’s World T20 in the Caribbean next month, as they look to add the 20-over title to the 50-over crown that they won in memorable circumstances on home soil last year.
Nottinghamshire’s Kirstie Gordon and Sussex’s Linsey Smith – both left-arm spinners with Loughborough Lightning in the Kia Super League – have been named for the first time, while the 20-year-old batsman and legspinner Sophia Dunkley is also included after impressing this season for Middlesex and Surrey Stars.
Smith was a breakthrough player for Southern Vipers when they won the inaugural Kia Super League in 2016, and has continued to star for Loughborough Lightning this year, alongside Gordon, who was regularly in the wickets as they reached this year’s final.
“It’s always an exciting time when any England squad is announced but especially when there are three newcomers included,” said Mark Robinson, England’s head coach.
“Sophia, Kirstie and Linsey have all had outstanding summers domestically and impressed when they have been in and around the group. All three will bring something different to the squad.
“Everyone is looking forward to the challenges ahead and we can’t wait to get out there and get started.”
England will travel to the Caribbean without the services of Sarah Taylor, their world-class wicketkeeper-batsman, who was withdrawn from consideration last week in the ongoing management of her anxiety condition.
Amy Jones has been named as the squad’s first-choice wicketkeeper in Taylor’s absence, and may vye with Lauren Winfield for an opener’s berth alongside Tammy Beaumont and Danielle Wyatt.
England WWT20 squad
Heather Knight (Berkshire, capt), Tammy Beaumont (Kent), Katherine Brunt (Yorkshire), Sophia Dunkley (Middlesex), Sophie Ecclestone (Lancashire), Tash Farrant (Kent), Kirstie Gordon (Nottinghamshire), Jenny Gunn (Warwickshire), Dani Hazell (Yorkshire), Amy Jones (Warwickshire, wk), Nat Sciver (Surrey), Linsey Smith (Sussex), Anya Shrubsole (Somerset), Lauren Winfield (Yorkshire), Danni Wyatt (Sussex)
Courtesy : espncricinfo
