London, July 16: Heather Knight is set to lead the young England side in the Commonwealth Games at home in Birmingham. Before that, the same squad is set to face South Africa in a three-match T20I series starting July 21.
Teenage sensations Alice Capsey and Freya Kemp have received their maiden international call-up while 20-year-old Issy Wong, who recently made her Test and ODI debut, is in line for her first T20I cap.
Squad: Heather Knight (Captain), Maia Bouchier, Katherine Brunt, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Freya Davies, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver, Bryony Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt
The cricket in Commonwealth Games is set to commence on July 28, with England playing their first game against Sri Lanka two days later. England will then take on South Africa and New Zealand. The semi-final is set to be played on 6 August while the gold and bronze medal matches will happen on 7 August.
Before that, England will take on the Proteas Women in three T20Is on July 21, 23 and 25.
Speaking on the squad selection, England captain Heather Knight said, “It is such a massive opportunity for us and for the game to compete in the Commonwealth Games, especially on home soil.
“When you’re younger you watch these multi-sport events but, as a cricketer, you don’t imagine you’ll be out there representing Team England. It also gives us a brilliant chance to engage some young people in cricket who maybe haven’t played or watched it before.
“It’s a hugely exciting squad and for us as a group to have a chance to make history and be the first women’s cricketers to medal at the Commonwealth Games is something that can really drive us forward.”
With UNI Inputs…
