England also announced their squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup after Australia, India and Pakistan.
Heather Knight is all set to lead the English team on another important ICC assignment. The team will begin their World Cup campaign against Bangladesh on October 5 in Sharjah.
England have included Freya Kemp and Bess Heath in their 15-player squad for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. Danielle Gibson is also selected for her first World Cup, to be played in the United Arab Emirates in October, but there was no place for fast bowler Lauren Filer.
Left-handed seamer Mahika Gaur, who was unable to push himself further to be selected for the World Cup due to a combination of injuries and school commitments, is included in the T20I squad that will tour Ireland.
Before heading to the UAE, England will play a white-ball series against Ireland, led by pacer Kate Cross.
Meanwhile, they have a good mix of youth and experience in their squad for the T20 World Cup. Knight, along with players such as Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauran Bell, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Danni Wyatt, bring plenty of experience to that team.
The ICC has moved the tournament from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates due to the social and political crisis in the country.
The matches will be played in Dubai and Sharjah, with the final taking place on 20 October in Dubai. The first semi-final will be played in Dubai on 17 October, followed by the second semi-final on 18 October in Sharjah.
Read also: Australia’s roster announced for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
Meanwhile, England manager Jon Lewis spoke about the overall strength of the team saying that the squad looks balanced and that the players who were not selected are just unfortunate.
“Selecting teams and squads with this group of players has become incredibly tricky and difficult. There are players who have been very unlucky not to be present and they will be a big part of what we do with England Cricket going forward,” England head coach Jon Lewis said.
“I feel the 15 players selected give us a really balanced squad in terms of experience, youth and most importantly the skills to cope and excel in the conditions we believe we will face in the UAE,” he added.
England captain Heather Knight spoke of her excitement at leading a World Cup event once again and said the entire squad is also looking forward to the tournament. England have won the tournament just once in 2009. Australia have won the title six times (2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020, 2023) and the West Indies once in 2016.
“World Cups are always special events to be involved in as a player and I am very excited about the team we have selected to take to the UAE. It is an honour to lead the team in another World Cup. We look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead,” she said.
England will begin their World Cup campaign against Bangladesh in Sharjah
Meanwhile, Kate Cross is looking forward to the series against Ireland. She had previously expressed interest in coaching the national team and now is her chance.
She will be joined by several of Ireland’s trio of players, namely Beaumont, Issy Wong and Mady Villiers, who last played for England in 2021.
A number of non-international players have also joined the squad, namely Georgia Adams, Hannah Baker, Georgia Davis, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Charis Pavely, Paige Scholfield and Seren Smale.
England squad for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup
Heather Knight (captain), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt
Also Read: Imran Khan issues official statement on Pakistan’s humiliating defeat by Bangladesh
