While pandemic forcing a pause on cricketing activity throughout the globe, women were the worst hit and seem that resumption on a bigger scale is still far. There are many positives too. England Women has now confirmed to host West Indies in a T20 series slated to take place in the month of September.
As expected this series will be placed in an environment that is safe for all the players. The matches will take place behind closed doors in a bio-secure environment. The venue for the faceoffs will be at the Incora Country Ground. It is heartening to note that these matches will mark the resumption of cricket for women after the schedules were tarnished by the pandemic.
SQUAD ANNOUNCED 🚨
The West Indies Women will play 5 T20 Internationals against England Women from September 21-30, at the Incora County Ground, Derby.@windiescricket @windieswomen pic.twitter.com/ttNTjYtt68
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) August 27, 2020
As reported, England was due to host India and South Africa for a tri-series. Both the visitors, however, couldn’t make it to the English soil and cited travel restrictions as the reason for their inability to take part in the tri-series.
Clare Connor, who serves as the managing director for English Cricket Board, said: “It’s so pleasing after many months of work and communication with colleagues across the international game that we are now able to confirm international cricket for England Women this summer”.
She added “We’re grateful to the West Indies for the pace and determination with which they have worked with us over the last couple of weeks. We’re all still adapting and will need to continue to adapt to the sporting landscape left by COVID-19. That does not mean that we will give any less focus to the women’s and girls’ game and we’re totally committed to continuing our ambitions in that area”.
The chief executive officer of England Cricket Board, Tom Harrison, said: “There were 86,000 fans in attendance at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final in March and the direction of travel in the women’s game in England and Wales has been relentlessly positive over the last few years”.
He emphasized on continuing the momentum and taking the game forward. The finals of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint, on the other hand, will be played on the 27th of September. England and Windies have written history with their men meeting at Ageas Bowl and starting the game after it was stagnated amidst the global pandemic. The women, with their good cricket and this historic opportunity, have a wonderful chance to showcase their might and earn loyal backings throughout the globe.
West Indies Women’s Squad for the England tour
SQUAD ANNOUNCED 🚨
The West Indies Women will play 5 T20 Internationals against England Women from September 21-30, at the Incora County Ground, Derby.@windiescricket @windieswomen pic.twitter.com/ttNTjYtt68
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) August 27, 2020
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