England squad announces brave new direction

The three players include left-arm spinners Linsey Smith and Kirstie Gordon and all-rounder Sophia Dunkley.

It shows that the Kia Super League is reaping the rewards as players have been chosen on the strength of their performances. The KSL is one of the two professional Women’s T20 leagues. Smith and Gordon had exceptional KSL season helping Loughborough Lightning reach the final. Gordon was the leading wicket-taker.

Having played for Scotland before, Gordon needed to qualify to play for England. With the rules that could have seen her classed as an overseas player in the KSL. It also meant that she missed the qualifying tournament for Scotland over the summer.

There will be three left-arm spinners in the squad as Smith and Gordon join Sophie Ecclestone. It means that there is no room for world-cup winner and left-arm spinner Alex Hartley.

The most high-profile player that is missing the tournament is Sarah Taylor who is given time off to continue her treatment for anxiety issues. Amy Jones will take the gloves in her place and after a good summer with the bat and behind the stumps.

Also making the squad is Tash Farrant, the left-arm seamer. Farrant would have been a doubt having fractured her collarbone during a KSL match at Loughborough. She gives England a different option in the pace department as the only left-armer.

Along with the new players are an experienced core of Katherine Brunt, Jenny Gunn and Dani Hazell. They were all part of the England squad that won the inaugural competition in 2009.

England’s first game will begin in just over a month’s time on 10 November starting with Sri Lanka before facing West Indies, South Africa and Bangladesh.

 

Squad:

Heather Knight (Berkshire), Tammy Beaumont (Kent),Katherine Brunt (Yorkshire), Sophia Dunkley (Middlesex), Sophie Ecclestone (Lancashire), Tash Farrant (Kent), Kirstie Gordon (Nottinghamshire), Jenny Gunn (Warwickshire), Dani Hazell (Yorkshire), Amy Jones (Warwickshire), Nat Sciver (Surrey), Linsey Smith (Sussex), Anya Shrubsole (Somerset), Lauren Winfield (Yorkshire), Danni Wyatt (Sussex)