England name women's squad

Lydia Greenway receives a recall to the Engalnd squad

The England and Wales Cricket Board has announced the England women’s squad to compete in a World Series in India, starting in February.

The tournament, for which the dates are still to be confirmed, also involves Australia, New Zealand and hosts India.

Lydia Greenway is recalled to the England squad following strong performances in the domestic game last summer, where she averaged 111 in the County Championship.

Ebony Rainford-Brent has worked hard to return from a back injury into a competent all-rounder.

She is currently on the Surrey Academy working alongside Gareth Townsend and has been involved with the England winter training squad since October.

It will be the first international overseas tour for 16-year-old spinner Holly Colvin and 17-year-old batsman Sarah Taylor.

England head coach Richard Bates said: “This is a really important series for us as it will give us a great indication of where we stand against the other top teams and will be great practise with the World Cup just two years away.

“One-day cricket is the most important format in the women’s game as it is what we are ranked on, so we have picked a squad geared towards that format.

"We’ve got great strength and depth in all departments, so we’re in a positive mood and feeling confident after our recent 4-0 win over India.

“We have selected a young and talented squad, with the majority of players having toured the sub-continent before.

"Ebony Rainford-Brent has been added to the squad as a genuine all-rounder and Holly Colvin and Sarah Taylor add further depth to the bowling and batting departments.

"The squad is preparing well and look in good shape for a successful series.”

Captain Charlotte Edwards added: “It has been one of the hardest teams to pick because we are in the fortunate position of having some great youngsters coming through.

"Ebony has worked especially hard over the last two years; she has been a bright prospect for a number of years and I’m delighted she’s got her call-up.

“It’s also great to see Lydia Greenway back in the squad. She is a very valuable member, not just as a batsman, but she also has the potential to be one of the best fielders in the world.

“I’m really excited about the series. It’s a great chance to show where we’re at at the moment and to see how we rank against the other top sides in the world.

"We go into the competition on the back of a very successful home series and as captain I am really looking forward to it.”

England Squad

Charlotte Edwards (capt)
Laura Newton
Caroline Atkins
Katherine Brunt
Holly Colvin
Lydia Greenway
Isa Guha
Jenny Gunn
Laura Marsh
Beth Morgan
Ebony Rainford-Brent
Jane Smit
Claire Taylor
Sarah Taylor