England have named three uncapped players in a 15-strong squad for the Women’s World T20 in the Caribbean in November.
Nottinghamshire’s Kirstie Gordon and Sussex’s Linsey Smith – both left-arm spinners with Loughborough Lightning in the Kia Super League – receive their first call-ups while Middlesex and Surrey Stars batter Sophia Dunkley is also included.
Their selection follows strong performances in women’s domestic cricket, both at county level and across the KSL.
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Meanwhile there is no place for Alex Hartley, the left-arm spinner who played a key role in England’s 2017 World Cup win. Katie George, the left-arm seamer who played in the T20 side during the summer, also misses out, with Tash Farrant preferred, while experienced off-spinning all-rounder Laura Marsh and 2017 World Cup-winning batsman Fran Wilson are also left out of the squad.
Amy Jones is set to keep wicket in the absence of Sarah Taylor, who is ruled out due to a recurrence of her anxiety condition.
England Women World T20 squad
Heather Knight (Berkshire), Captain
Tammy Beaumont (Kent)
Katherine Brunt (Yorkshire)
Sophia Dunkley (Middlesex)
Sophie Eccelstone (Lancashire)
Tash Farrant (Kent)
Kirstie Gordon (Nottinghamshire)
Jenny Gunn (Warwickshire)
Dani Hazell (Yorkshire)
Amy Jones (Warwickshire), Wicketkeeper
Nat Sciver (Surrey)
Linsey Smith (Sussex)
Anya Shrubsole (Somerset)
Lauren Winfield (Yorkshire)
Danni Wyatt (Sussex)
Coach Mark Robinson said: “It’s always an exciting time when any England squad is announced but especially when there are three newcomers included.
“Sophia, Kirstie and Linsey have all had outstanding summers domestically and impressed when they have been in and around the group. All three will bring something different to the squad.
“Everyone is looking forward to the challenges ahead and we can’t wait to get out there and get started.”
The Women’s World T20 runs from November 9-24.
