After being included in England’s 16-man squad for the next home series against New Zealand, opener Sophia Dunkley may be on the verge of making a T20I return. Owing to a side ailment, 18-year-old pace sensation Mahika Gaur was not eligible for selection.
In an otherwise unaltered lineup from the one that won the T20I series against Pakistan in May, Dunkley’s participation is the lone alteration. Freya Kemp, an all-rounder who batted exclusively throughout that series, has been cleared to start bowling again.
On July 6, the five-game Twenty20 International series gets underway in Southampton as a lead-up to the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October. After the third Twenty20 international match in Canterbury on July 11 and the second game in Hove on July 9, the caravan will travel to the capital for the two London matchups at the Kia Oval and Lord’s on July 13 and 17, respectively.
“This five-match series against a strong New Zealand side is really important for us and also vital preparation as we build towards the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh,” Jon Lewis, our head coach, stated. “We are happy to have all-arounder Freya Kemp back, and as she recovers from her injury, we hope to see her bowl throughout this series.”
“Sophia Dunkley has earned her place in this team and is back in it after demonstrating strong performance at the regional level.
“A little side strain prevents Mahika Gaur from playing. Lewis said, “We’ll try to get her in and around the team getting ready to play again.
Three One-Day Internationals will follow the Twenty20 International series; the team will be announced later.
England Women T20I squad:Heather Knight(c), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith, Danielle Wyatt
