Cricket

Alice Capsey has been called up to England Women's T20I squad for their tour of South Africa, replacing an injured player. Capsey was initially omitted from the touring party due to a recent batting slump, but her impressive performances in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) have earned her a belated recall.Capsey's inclusion in the squad is a testament to her all-round abilities. Despite her struggles with the bat in recent months, she has been a standout performer with the ball in the WBBL, taking 13 wickets in eight innings. Her economy rate of 7.21 and best figures of 5 for 25 against the Perth Scorchers highlight her effectiveness as a bowler.England's decision to recall Capsey is also a reflection of the team's injury concerns. While the team has not disclosed the nature of the injuries, they have confirmed that several players are experiencing "minor niggles." Capsey's versatility as a batter and bowler makes her a valuable addition to the squad, providing cover for any potential absences.Capsey's recall is a boost for England, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. The team failed to reach the knockout stages of the tournament, and Capsey's struggles with the bat were a contributing factor. However, her recent form in the WBBL suggests that she has regained her confidence and is ready to make a significant contribution to the team.England will face South Africa in three T20Is, three ODIs, and a Test match during their tour. The T20I series begins on November 24 in East London, and Capsey will be hoping to make an immediate impact on her return to the international stage.

Courtney Winfield-Hill, a former dual-sport professional, has been appointed as an assistant coach for the England Women's cricket team. She will join the squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa and the Women's Ashes.Winfield-Hill, 37, has a wealth of experience in both cricket and rugby league. As a player, she represented Queensland Fire and Brisbane Heat in cricket, and Leeds Rhinos in rugby league, leading them to a Grand Final and Challenge Cup double in 2019. She also represented England in rugby league at the 2022 World Cup.In recent years, Winfield-Hill has transitioned into coaching, holding roles with WBBL side Brisbane Heat, Trent Rockets in the Women's Hundred, and Northern Diamonds. She has also worked as an assistant coach with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women's Premier League and England Women's A and U19 squads.Winfield-Hill's appointment is seen as a positive step for the England Women's team, as she brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of knowledge to the coaching staff."I am really proud to be a part of the set-up," Winfield-Hill said. "Since working with England teams, I have been made to feel nothing but welcomed and feel the ECB have invested in developing me as a coach.""The development of the domestic game over the last five years has been brilliant to watch and I have taken a lot from recent involvements with the England A, development games and the Ireland tour. South Africa and the Ashes are two exciting series and I am really looking forward to linking up and working with the group."Jonathan Finch, Director of England Women's Cricket, praised Winfield-Hill's appointment, saying: "Courtney has played such an important role in developing the up-and-coming players on our international pathway and adds tremendous value in any environment she is part of.""She will bring a different outlook on the game into the coaching team which will ensure the support we provide to players continually moves forward in what will be an exciting period for the senior team."

Alice Capsey's disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup has cost her a place in England's T20I squad for their upcoming tour of South Africa. The 18-year-old, who made her England debut in 2022, has been in poor form, scoring just 19 runs in three innings at the World Cup and 27 runs in five innings for the Melbourne Renegades in the Women's Big Bash League.Capsey's omission is a blow to England, who are looking to rebuild after their disappointing World Cup campaign. The team has been criticized for its fitness levels and its ability to handle pressure, and Capsey's absence will only add to the pressure on the remaining players.Paige Scholfield, who made her England debut in September, has been called up to the T20I squad, along with fast bowler Lauren Filer. Dani Gibson misses out after undergoing knee surgery.The tour will include a first Women's Test in South Africa since 2002, for which Freya Kemp and Maia Bouchier could be the notable debutants. Heather Knight retains her role as captain across formats.The tour is seen as a vital opportunity for England to reset their ambitions against a team that has now reached each of the last two T20 World Cup finals. The selected players have been training at Loughborough in the build-up to the series, with the T20I squad due to leave for South Africa on November 16, with the ODI and Test squads following on November 27.England Women's head coach Jon Lewis has hit back at criticism of the team's fitness levels, saying that the players are "in really good shape." He added that he would like to see more specific criticism from those who have questioned the team's fitness.The South Africa tour is seen as a vital staging post for England ahead of their next key objective, the Women's Ashes in Australia in January. Clare Connor, the ECB deputy chair and former women's captain, said that the tour is "a really good next experience" and "another preparation tour" for the Ashes.Connor also addressed the heightened scrutiny that the players had been under in the wake of the World Cup, and the sense that they had collapsed under the pressure. She said that the team will be looking at how to build in resilience to pressure and improve decision-making and skill retention under pressure.

Bangladesh Women Aim to Continue Winning Streak Against England in T20 World CupBangladesh Women will face England Women in their second match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah. The match will be England's tournament opener, while Bangladesh will be looking to build on their impressive victory over Scotland in their first game.Bangladesh defeated Scotland by 16 runs in their opening encounter, thanks to a brilliant all-round performance from captain Nigar Sultana. Sultana scored 34 runs and took two wickets, while Jahanara Alam and Rumana Ahmed also chipped in with two wickets each.England, on the other hand, will be making their first appearance in the tournament and will be eager to make a strong start. They are one of the favorites to win the title, boasting a star-studded lineup that includes the likes of Heather Knight, Nat Sciver, and Sophie Ecclestone.The match between Bangladesh and England is expected to be a close contest. Bangladesh will be confident after their victory over Scotland, while England will be determined to prove their credentials as one of the top teams in the world.Key Players to Watch:* Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana, Jahanara Alam, Rumana Ahmed* England: Heather Knight, Nat Sciver, Sophie EcclestoneMatch Details:* Date: [Date of the match]* Time: [Time of the match]* Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

Chris Guest, the former head coach of The Blaze, has been appointed as England Women's U19 Performance Lead. Guest, 40, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously led Loughborough Lightning and The Blaze to success in domestic competitions. He has also coached the England Women U19 World Cup program and the U19 tri-series between Sri Lanka, England, and Australia.In his new role, Guest will oversee the U19 Women's T20 World Cup in Malaysia next year and lead talent identification from the academy and senior programs. He will work closely with the counties to enhance the support provided to young players at this age group.Guest's appointment is part of the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) commitment to developing the women's game. The ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup provides a valuable opportunity for young talent to gain international experience. Guest's role will be to ensure that players receive the necessary support and guidance to maximize their potential.Guest is excited about the opportunity to contribute to the development of England's future stars. "The pride and excitement of wearing the Three Lions over the last few years has been immense, and to be able to do so in this new role is an incredible feeling," he said. "With the growth of the women's game, it's a privilege to take on this role as it will focus on ensuring our young cricketers get the cricket they need at the right time, which I am extremely passionate about."Richard Bedbrook, the head of England Women Performance Pathways, believes Guest is the ideal person for the role. "We are delighted to have Chris on board," he said. "He has vast experience in the women's game, strong relationships with and knowledge of all our domestic teams, and this new full-time role will allow him to help shape the development of our highest potential players in a collaborative fashion before, during, and after any international U19 activity."Director of England Women's Cricket, Jonathan Finch, added: "The ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup provides fantastic opportunities for our young talent to experience tournament match play against their peers from other countries. Chris's appointment allows us to build on those experiences, through closer relationships with the counties, to enhance the support the players get at this age group."

Sophie Ecclestone, the world's top-ranked bowler in both T20Is and ODIs, has been a dominant force in women's cricket for nearly five years. However, keeping her motivated remains a priority for the England Women's team.Ecclestone's exceptional left-arm spin has terrorized opposition batters, with her recent 5-wicket haul against New Zealand highlighting her prowess. England captain Heather Knight acknowledges the need to keep Ecclestone engaged, stating, "She loves taking wickets and we have to do some funky fields to keep her interested."Head coach Jon Lewis emphasizes the importance of ensuring Ecclestone's enjoyment of the game. "She has an incredible talent, and our job is to make sure she keeps enjoying her cricket," he said.Ecclestone attributes her motivation to the camaraderie within the team and the thrill of competition. "That definitely keeps me interested, that I travel the world with my best mates and you play cricket for your country with your best mates," she said. "And the competition, I love the competition. Ashes series, World Cup finals, super overs in a World Cup, that's what I live for, that's what I train for."Ecclestone's journey began in 2016, and she has since become England's leading wicket-taker in T20Is. She also has an impressive ODI record, with 108 wickets at an exceptional economy rate of 3.66.Despite missing out on England's 2017 World Cup triumph, Ecclestone has played a crucial role in the team's subsequent success. She is eager to add a World Cup and Ashes victory to her resume, with the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and the Ashes series in Australia being key motivators."It's just win a World Cup and an Ashes," Ecclestone said. "That World Cup at Lord's, that was the last World Cup [England] won and we've not won an Ashes since because I've been a part of them all, so it'd be really nice to do that in the space of six months, win the World Cup in Bangladesh, win the Ashes. It would be an amazing few months for us."Ecclestone's humility and team-oriented mindset are evident in her praise for her fellow spinners, Sarah Glenn and Charlie Dean. "It's a nice little trio, me, Glenny, and Deano, and we all bring something different whether it's on the pitch or off the pitch," she said.Ecclestone's infectious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to her team make her an invaluable asset. As she continues to dominate the world of bowling, her teammates and fans alike can expect more exceptional performances and a continued pursuit of cricketing glory.

Pakistan Women, seeking redemption after their defeat in the first ODI, have opted to bat first against England Women in the second ODI at Taunton. Despite overcast skies and the threat of rain, the match commenced on time with an unchanged Pakistani lineup.England, on the other hand, made two alterations to their squad. Lauren Filer replaced Lauren Bell as a seamer, while Danni Wyatt returned from illness to bolster the batting lineup. Leg-spinner Sarah Glenn was omitted to accommodate Wyatt's return.Pakistan's batting lineup remains unchanged from the first ODI, which they lost by 37 runs. Sidra Ameen, Sadaf Shamas, Muneeba Ali, Ayesha Zafar, Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Najiha Alvi, Umm-e-Hani, Diana Baig, and Nashra Sandhu will take to the crease.England's batting order features Maia Bouchier, Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, Danni Wyatt, Amy Jones, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, and Lauren Filer.Sophia Dunkley, who has been in impressive form for South East Stars in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, has been added to England's ODI squad for the remaining two games. However, she has been named as the 12th player for the Taunton match.With the series on the line, both teams will be eager to secure a victory. Pakistan will be determined to level the series, while England will aim to extend their lead and clinch the series. The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams possessing talented players capable of turning the tide in their favor.

Sophia Dunkley's return to form for South East Stars in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy has not yet earned her a recall to the England Women's team, according to assistant coach Gareth Breese. Dunkley, who has scored 293 runs in five innings, including a century, was dropped from the England set-up after a poor run of form on the recent tours of India and New Zealand.Breese explained that England's current top-order, including Dunkley's replacement Maia Bouchier, will be given time to develop, while Dunkley will be allowed to regain her form away from the international spotlight. He emphasized that England backs its players even after setbacks and that Dunkley remains an integral part of the wider set-up.Dunkley's involvement in a red-ball training session at Loughborough on Tuesday demonstrates the management's commitment to supporting players on the fringes. Breese stated that the team is working closely with Dunkley and that she is "still in and around the fold."Despite the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan and the New Zealand tour in June and July, Breese insisted that England is not operating a closed shop for selection. He believes that competition for places is essential for driving improvement and that players can still break into the team from outside the contracted group.The first T20I against Pakistan highlighted the strength of England's spin attack, with Sarah Glenn, Sophie Ecclestone, and Charlie Dean all contributing wickets. Breese praised the bowlers' hard work and recognition in the ICC's T20I rankings but emphasized that he is constantly pushing them to improve.He described himself as a "grumpy dad" when it comes to demanding higher standards and believes that all three spinners have the potential to get even better. He highlighted Ecclestone's growth as a death bowler, Dean's wicket-taking ability, and Glenn's consistent performances.

Somerset's appointment of England captain Heather Knight to their board has been hailed as a shrewd move by England Women's head coach Jon Lewis. Knight's role will involve advising on cricketing matters as Somerset prepares to compete in the top tier of the new domestic women's competition next year.Lewis believes Knight's experience and knowledge will be invaluable to Somerset, who are one of three new teams joining the top flight alongside Durham and Essex. "Somerset have made a really smart decision in getting someone involved in their board who's got a real intrinsic knowledge of women's cricket," Lewis said.Knight's appointment comes at a critical time for women's cricket in England and Wales, with the regional set-up set to be disbanded after this summer. Many players face moving to different cities to play at the highest level, or playing in the lower tiers of the new competition.Knight is acutely aware of the challenges facing players and has emphasized the importance of supporting them during this transition. "It's important that the girls are looked after and helped to transition into the new structure," she said.Meanwhile, Bess Heath may find herself taking on more wicketkeeping duties for Northern Diamonds after being earmarked as Amy Jones' understudy in the England set-up. Lewis expressed concern that Heath had not been keeping wicket regularly for Diamonds, despite being one of the best young wicketkeepers in the country."It does really concern me that one of the best young wicketkeepers in the country isn't keeping wicket," Lewis said. "She's a really dynamic batter and we hope that she's able to keep wicket for the Diamonds."Heath's importance as a back-up keeper for England was highlighted by the omission of Tammy Beaumont from the T20I squad to face Pakistan. Lewis emphasized the need to balance Heath's development with providing cover for Jones."We need to balance her development with as equal a dose of playing as we can, whilst also having cover for Amy Jones because we would look a little bit silly if Amy injured a finger during a game or during warm-ups and we didn't have a keeper around," Lewis said.