England name Danielle Gibson And Lauren Filer in Ashes Test squad
England has unveiled an exciting and talented 15-player squad for the upcoming Women’s Ashes Test against arch-rivals Australia. Two uncapped players, Danielle Gibson and Lauren Filer, from the successful Western Storm team, have earned their spots in the squad.
Gibson, an impressive all-rounder, showcased her skills as the joint-highest run-scorer and leading wicket-taker in the Charlotte Edwards Cup this season. Filer, a consistent performer for Storm over the past two campaigns, strengthens England’s seam-bowling options, especially with the absence of the retired Katherine Sciver-Brunt.
This squad announcement also marks the potential debut of both Gibson and Filer in international cricket. Alongside them, the rest of the squad remains largely unchanged from the XI that featured against South Africa. Notably, Issy Wong and Lauren Bell, who made their international debuts as successors to Sciver-Brunt, retain their places. The opening duo of Emma Lamb and Tammy Beaumont, who displayed excellent form in domestic cricket this season, have also been included. Danni Wyatt, the leading run-scorer in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, returns to the squad after missing last year’s Test. Another exciting addition is Alice Capsey, who has earned her call-up following a breakthrough year in 2022. Also Read : WTC Final 2023 : Shubman Gill fined 115% of match fee
Before the highly anticipated five-day Test at Trent Bridge starting on June 22, the Test squad will face Australia A in a three-day warm-up match at Derby, beginning this Thursday. This Test will be England Women’s first five-day encounter on home soil and their return to Trent Bridge after a long absence since 2000. The Test carries immense significance in the multi-format Ashes series, as it is worth four points. Following the Test, both teams will battle it out in three ODIs and three T20Is, with each match worth two points.
Jon Lewis, the head coach of England Women, expressed his satisfaction with the “nicely balanced” Test squad, acknowledging the growing talent pool in the country. Speaking about the new additions, Lewis praised Gibson’s dynamic abilities with both bat and ball, highlighting her potential to change the game’s momentum. He also emphasized Filer’s exceptional pace and swing, which make her a genuine wicket-taking threat capable of impacting a Test match at any stage.
In a parallel fixture, Lauren Winfield-Hill will captain the England A side against the senior Australia Women’s team in a three-day warm-up match in Leicester this week. Winfield-Hill, who enjoyed a strong domestic season in 2022, made a successful comeback to the England squad during the winter tour of the Caribbean. Her consistent performances in regional competitions this year have further solidified her credentials, despite losing her central England contract for the current season.
Additionally, Alice Davidson-Richards and Wyatt will participate in the warm-up match for England A while also being part of the Test squad. Grace Scrivens, the captain of the England Under-19 team, who led her country to the final of the age-group T20 World Cup in South Africa earlier this year, has also been included in the A side. However, the England A squad for the T20 and 50-over series against their Australian counterparts is yet to be announced.
The stage is set for an exhilarating Women’s Ashes series as England’s talented squad, infused with fresh faces, aims to reclaim the coveted trophy from their fierce rivals, Australia.
England Women’s Test Squad: Heather Knight (capt), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Alice Davidson-Richards, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Amy Jones, Emma Lamb, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt
England Women’s A squad for warm-up vs Australia: Lauren Winfield-Hill (capt), Maia Bouchier, Alice Davidson-Richards, Freya Davies, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Kirstie Gordon, Eva Gray, Bess Heath, Eve Jones, Paige Scholfield, Grace Scrivens, Danni Wyatt
