England Women have announced their squad for the tour of India with three players earning their first call-up.
Bryony Smith, Alice Davidson-Richards and Katie George – of Surrey, Kent and Hampshire respectively – have been named in the full squad for the first time, while there are also returns for Kate Cross, Tash Farrant and Amy Jones.
The sixteen-strong group doesn’t feature Sarah Taylor or Katherine Brunt, with Brunt unavailable after injuring her back during the Women’s Big Bash League and Taylor rested.
Coach Mark Robinson is looking forward to testing new players and adding new options to his squad ahead of a year that sees England play host to New Zealand and South Africa and take part in the ICC World T20.
“We’ve said for a long time that we need to play more games and it’s exciting that we’ve been able to arrange this very competitive series outside of the ICC Women’s Championship.
“It gives us a chance to see other players and measure their progress and that also means we can rest and rotate. In Sarah’s case, she’s been doing really well and we always targeted this period as one where she can focus on her wellbeing in preparation for what will be a busy summer leading into the ICC World T20.
“It’s hugely exciting to have three new faces in the group – and to welcome back a few others - obviously that means a few have missed out but they can use the time to their advantage and come back more strongly.”
England squad
Heather Knight (Berkshire, captain)
Tammy Beaumont (Kent)
Kate Cross (Lancashire)
Alice Davidson-Richards (Kent)
Sophie Ecclestone (Lancashire)
Tash Farrant (Kent)
Katie George (Hampshire)
Jenny Gunn (Warwickshire)
Alex Hartley (Lancashire)
Danielle Hazell (Yorkshire)
Amy Jones (Warwickshire, wicketkeeper)
Anya Shrubsole (Somerset)
Bryony Smith (Surrey)
Nat Sciver (Surrey)
Fran Wilson (Middlesex)
Danni Wyatt (Sussex)
Schedule
22 March - 1st IT20: India v Australia, Mumbai
23 March - 2nd IT20: Australia v England, Mumbai
25 March - 3rd IT20: India v England, Mumbai
26 March - 4th IT20: India v Australia, Mumbai
28 March - 5th IT20: Australia v England, Mumbai
29 March - 6th IT20: India v England, Mumbai
31 March - Final: Mumbai
6 April - 1st ODI: India v England Nagpur
9 April - 2nd ODI: India v England, Nagpur
12 April - 3rd ODI: India v England, Nagpur