England Name Kemp, Heath in T20 World Cup Squad

England's Women's T20 World Cup squad has been announced, with Freya Kemp and Bess Heath earning their first call-ups. Danielle Gibson also makes her World Cup debut, while Lauren Filer misses out.

Kemp, an allrounder, and Heath, a backup wicketkeeper, will also join the team for their upcoming white-ball tour of Ireland. Kate Cross will captain the side in Ireland, which will feature several potential debutants.

England's meticulous planning for the T20 World Cup has resulted in a squad with few surprises. Sophia Dunkley retains her spot ahead of Tammy Beaumont, who will join the team for the Ireland tour.

Linsey Smith provides backup spin support to Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, and Sarah Glenn. Kemp and Gibson's versatility as seam-bowling allrounders means England opted against Filer's extra pace. However, Filer will join the team for their training camp in Abu Dhabi.

Mahika Gaur, a teenage left-arm seamer, is included in the T20I squad for Ireland. The Women's T20 World Cup was originally scheduled for Bangladesh but was moved to the UAE due to civil unrest.

"Selecting teams has become incredibly tough," said England head coach Jon Lewis. "There are players who have been unfortunate to miss out, but they remain a part of our future plans."

Captain Heather Knight expressed her excitement for the World Cup and the squad's balance. "World Cups are special events, and I'm thrilled with the team we've selected," she said.

Cross, who will captain England in Ireland, acknowledged her unlikely chances of making the World Cup squad. She will be joined by Beaumont, Issy Wong, and Mady Villiers, who last played for England in 2021.

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