The women’s cricket team from England are set to face off in an intra-squad series in Pretoria this March, with the stakes high as the women prepare for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The T20 World Cup is going to take place in June and July and it is hosted by England and Wales. England will be looking forward to making the best use of home conditions and would want to select the best players accordingly. The intra-squad series, originally set for Abu Dhabi, has been shifted to South Africa over geopolitical tensions in the middle east.
The teams have been named after English cricket legends Jan Brittin and Rachael Heyhoe Flint, both of whom have won the World Cup trophies in their home country. Nat Sciver-Brunt will lead Team Brittin, while Charlie Dean will lead the other team, Team Heyhoe Flint. The coaches will include Jon JJ Lewis for Team Brittin and Luke Williams for Team Heyhoe Flint, with Charlotte Edwards serving as the Head Coach for both teams.
The 5-match T20 series also offers opportunity for eight players who have yet to make an international appearance for England: Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Jodi Grewcock, Grace Potts, Grace Scrivens, Alexa Stonehouse, Davina Perrin, Rhianna Southby, and Ellie Threlkeld. This series will be their chance and best opportunity to showcase their skill and catch the eyes of the selectors.
“This is a big opportunity for every player involved to put their hand up and demonstrate that they’re an invaluable part of our World Cup plans,” Edwards said. “It’s the same chance for every player, whether they’re new to the team or they’ve played 100 games. We want to use this series as a chance to stretch ourselves and put ourselves under pressure in competitive match situations.”
Edwards added that they have two skill-focused training camps in Oman and Stellenbosch this year. “Adding a more competitive element is our next step, and I’m really pleased with how the group is coming along ahead of a massive summer.”
With the World Cup around the corner, England is gearing up to give their absolute best. Every single person, right from the players to the coaches and the board, is fully committed and determined to leave no stone unturned. Playing on home soil, the team is looking to not just compete but dominate, bringing together the best of experience, talent, and hard work to make their mark in the world of cricket.
Squads:
Team Heyhoe Flint
Charlie Dean, Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Sophie Ecclestone, Mahika Gaur, Dani Gibson, Jodi Grewcock, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Grace Potts, Grace Scrivens, Alexa Stonehouse, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Team Brittin
Nat Sciver-Brunt, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley, Lauren Filer, Freya Kemp, Charis Pavely, Davina Perrin, Paige Scholfield, Linsey Smith, Rhianna Southby, Ellie Threlkeld, Mady Villiers, Issy Wong
The five-game T20 series promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent, with players eager to stake their claim for a place in England’s World Cup plans while testing themselves under competitive pressure in a fresh setting.
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