England Women head to Sri Lanka next month needing just one win to secure qualification for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017, starting on 26 June in Derby.
England travel to the sub-continent on the back of an enthralling 3-2 series victory against the West Indies in the Caribbean, which has ensured that the team need just one win from their final three ICC Women’s Championship matches in Colombo.
Derby will host eight ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 fixtures next summer – and 2017 Members will be able to purchase tickets at a special discounted price.
Heather Knight will lead the 15-strong squad, with the inclusion of middle-order-batsman Fran Wilson. The 24-year-old returns to the side after a six year absence from the 50-over international arena. Meanwhile, seam-bowler Anya Shrubsole has been ruled-out due as she continues to her recovery from a neck injury sustained during the recent tour in Jamaica.
England Women’s Head Coach, Mark Robinson, said: “I’m really happy with the character and fight that the team showed to win the recent series against the West Indies in the Caribbean, and we now look ahead to the fresh challenge of taking on Sri Lanka in their own conditions, with the ambition of finishing the busiest ever year for the England women’s team on a high.”
“Fran Wilson gives us another option with the bat, is a strong, athletic fielder, and had an impressive domestic summer. It is disappointing that Anya Shrubsole is still side-lined through injury, but in Beth Langston we have an exciting fresh face, who is ready to be unleashed on the international game.”
Before arriving in Colombo, England will embark on a six-day training camp in Abu Dhabi, in order to acclimatise to conditions ahead of the four match series.
“We have initially selected a squad of 14 for the four-match series in Colombo next month, with the 15th player due to be confirmed following our preparation camp in Abu Dhabi, which will involve a wider group of 23 players.
“The involvement of some of our younger players in the training camp in the UAE presents a fantastic opportunity for their development, and gives us an excellent chance to continue to develop the depth of the talent pool underneath the England women’s squad.”
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