Image Source: ECB
[Saba Sports News] England has announced two separate squads for their T20I series in New Zealand, aligning player availability with the Women’s Premier League (WPL) schedule. The first three T20I games will see Hollie Armitage and Linsey Smith in action, while Alice Capsey, Sophie Ecclestone, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Danielle Wyatt will join for the series’ conclusion following the WPL.
Heather Knight, opting out of the WPL to focus on the New Zealand tour, will captain the team throughout the five T20Is and the subsequent three ODIs, scheduled from March 19 to April 6. England’s head coach and UP Warriorz’s coach, Jon Lewis, will begin preparations with the team on March 12.
The initial T20I squad includes players like Armitage, Beaumont, and Smith, shifting to include Capsey, Ecclestone, Sciver-Brunt, and Wyatt for the final two matches. The ODI team features a mix of players from both T20I squads.
Jonathan Finch, England Women’s cricket director, highlighted the logistical challenges and workload management necessitating two T20I squads, with WPL participants joining the latter part of the series. Lauren Bell and Heather Knight withdrew from the WPL to ensure availability for all T20I matches in New Zealand, given WPL’s no-replacement rule.
Coach Jon Lewis emphasized the tour’s significance as a lead-up to the IT20 World Cup and praised the inclusion of Armitage and Smith for their potential impact. He acknowledged the competitive nature of New Zealand as an opponent and the team’s aim to build on their previous successes while contributing to the growth of women’s cricket.