ENGLAND WOMEN’S v/s NEW ZEALAND 2024

England announces the names of two squads for the upcoming T20Is against New Zealand.

England has unveiled two T20I squads for their upcoming tour of New Zealand, strategically integrating players from the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Hollie Armitage and Linsey Smith are included in the T20I squad for the initial three matches, while Alice Capsey, Sophie Ecclestone, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Danielle Wyatt will join the team for the last two matches post the WPL.

Heather Knight, who opted out of the WPL to focus on preparing for the New Zealand series, is set to captain the team in the five-match T20I series and the subsequent three ODIs. The series is scheduled from March 19 to April 6, starting two days after the WPL concludes. England’s head coach, Jon Lewis, who also coaches UP Warriorz, will join the team on March 12 to assist with their preparations.

T20I Squad for First Three Matches:

• Hollie Armitage
• Tammy Beaumont
• Lauren Bell
• Maia Bouchier
• Charlie Dean
• Sophia Dunkley
• Lauren Filer
• Danielle Gibson
• Sarah Glenn
• Bess Heath
• Amy Jones
• Heather Knight (c)
• Linsey Smith

T20I Squad for Last Two Matches:

• Tammy Beaumont
• Lauren Bell
• Maia Bouchier
• Alice Capsey
• Charlie Dean
• Sophia Dunkley
• Sophie Ecclestone
• Lauren Filer
• Danielle Gibson
• Sarah Glenn
• Bess Heath
• Amy Jones
• Heather Knight (c)
• Nat Sciver-Brunt
• Danielle Wyatt

ODI Squad:

• Tammy Beaumont
• Lauren Bell
• Maia Bouchier
• Alice Capsey
• Kate Cross
• Charlie Dean
• Sophia Dunkley
• Sophie Ecclestone
• Lauren Filer
• Danielle Gibson
• Sarah Glenn
• Bess Heath
• Amy Jones
• Heather Knight
• Nat Sciver-Brunt
• Danielle Wyatt

Jonathan Finch, director of England Women’s cricket, highlighted the challenge of managing player workloads and the need for clarity, given the short window between the WPL and the New Zealand series. Lauren Bell and Heather Knight withdrew from the WPL to ensure availability for the entire New Zealand tour. Coach Jon Lewis will depart the WPL early to lead the squad preparations in New Zealand.

Coach Jon Lewis expressed excitement about the tour, emphasizing the importance of building depth and a wider playing group for the demanding schedule in 2024/25. He spoke highly of Hollie Armitage and Linsey Smith, citing their performances and potential contributions at the international level. Lewis looks forward to the challenge of facing New Zealand, aiming to build on the team’s successes in 2023 and contribute to the growth of women’s cricket in both New Zealand and England.