Maiden call-ups for Filer, Gibson as England name Ashes Test squad

England have announced a 15-member squad for the one-off Women's Test in the multi-format Ashes series that's scheduled to start from June 22. Uncapped Western Storm pacer Lauren Filer is the new face in the side while Danielle Gibson, who was part of the reserves in the T20 World Cup 2023, has been named in the Test team for the first time.

Heather Knight will lead the squad in the five-day Test - one of the rarest in women's cricket - at Trent Bridge in Nottingham against Alyssa Healy's side as they start their campagin to regain the Ashes. The squad is pace heavy with the inclusion of Filer with Kate Cross, Lauren Bell, Issy Wong in the 15-member team. Apart from these four, England also have the option of allrounders Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Alice Davidson-Richards and Gibson in the pace department.

"Dani (Danielle Gibson) is one of the form cricketer’s in the country, she is improving both with bat and ball and if selected in the team, offers us a dynamic cricketer who can change the momentum of the game," Jon Lewis, England head coach, said. “Lauren (Lauren Filer) is a genuine wicket-taking threat with good pace and swing. Again, if selected in the playing 11, she offers us a point of difference in our bowling attack that could impact a Test match at any point in the game."



England have also picked a 13-member 'A' squad for the three-day Warm Up fixture against Australia that will be played from June 15 to 17 in Leicestershire. The senior side will take on Australia A during the same time at the County Ground in Derbyshire.

The A squad is led by the experienced Lauren Winfield-Hill and Davidson-Richards and Danielle Wyatt from the main side are part of it. Spinners Charlie Dean and Sarah Glenn will also take the field against Australiain Leicestershire.

“Our preparations are going well and this week’s upcoming games against Australia A and Australia give us another great opportunity to rehearse for the Test match next week," Lewis added.

“To have two Ashes series running alongside each other is very special and we look forward to entertaining our fans and gaining some new ones along the way.”

England squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Alice Davidson-Richards, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Amy Jones, Emma Lamb, Natalie Sciver-Brunt (vc), Issy Wong, Danielle Wyatt

England A squad: Lauren Winfield-Hill (c), Maia Bouchier, Alice Davidson-Richards, Freya Davies, Charlie Dean (vc), Sarah Glenn, Kirstie Gordon, Eva Gray, Bess Heath, Evelyn Jones, Paige Scholfield, Grace Scrivens, Danielle Wyatt