The much-anticipated Women’s Ashes 2025 is just around the corner, and England has revealed a strong lineup for the series, which includes three ODIs, three T20Is, and a historic four-day Test match. With matches set to take place across iconic venues in Australia, the stage is set for an enthralling contest.
Among the highlights of the squad announcement are the probable Ashes debuts for Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith, Bess Heath, and Ryana MacDonald-Gay, who promise to bring fresh energy and flair to the team.
The selection of Freya Kemp, Bess Heath, Linsey Smith, and Ryana MacDonald-Gay highlights England’s focus on nurturing young talent, with all four players showing promise in domestic and international cricket.
Freya Kemp, a left-arm seamer, has been named in the T20I squad. At just 19, Kemp has already made her mark in international cricket, playing 22 T20Is where she has scored 129 runs, including a career-best unbeaten 51 against India, and claimed 18 wickets with a best of 2 for 14 against Sri Lanka. Domestically, Kemp showcased her batting prowess in the Charlotte Edwards Cup (CE Cup) scoring 155 runs in nine matches, although she didn’t bowl during the tournament.
Bess Heath, included in both the T20I and Test squads, is another exciting prospect. A wicketkeeper-batter, Heath has played four T20Is but is yet to feature in a Test match. Known for her aggressive batting, she scored 148 runs at a strike rate of 129.82 in the CE Cup. Heath also demonstrated her ability to anchor innings in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy (RHF Trophy), amassing 227 runs in seven innings.
Ryana MacDonald-Gay retains her spot in the Test squad after an impressive debut against South Africa earlier this month, where she claimed the prized wickets of Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk. Her domestic form in 2024 was stellar, finishing fourth on the RHF Trophy’s highest wicket-takers list with 21 wickets from 10 matches, including a best of 5 for 31. She also contributed with the bat, scoring 159 runs, with an unbeaten 51 being her top score.
Linsey Smith, a crafty left-arm spinner, finds her place in the T20I squad. A consistent performer in the shortest format, Smith has played 15 T20Is, taking 18 wickets with a best of 3 for 18 against Sri Lanka. Her recent performances in the CE Cup further underline her wicket-taking abilities, where she picked up 13 wickets from 10 matches, with a standout 3 for 9.
Joining the debutants are seasoned campaigners like Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Maia Bouchier, Amy Jones, Charlie Dean and Lauren Bell all of whom are set to play across all formats.
Heather Knight will once again lead the side across all formats. Seamer Kate Cross makes her comeback after recovering from a back spasm that sidelined her during the South Africa series earlier this month. All-rounder Danielle Gibson also returns from a knee injury, further bolstering the squad.
The inclusion of the four potential debutants alongside experienced stars underscores England’s blend of youth and experience as they seek to reclaim the Ashes. The previous Ashes series in 2023 ended in a dramatic draw, with England winning the white-ball formats but falling short in the Test match.
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