Cricket

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.

England's upcoming T20I series against New Zealand will serve as a crucial test for the team as they prepare for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. Captain Heather Knight emphasized that while conditions in England may differ from those in Bangladesh, the team will strive to simulate potential scenarios and combinations.Despite the challenging weather conditions in Southampton, Knight stated that England will focus on playing teams and implementing strategies that they anticipate encountering in Bangladesh. This approach aims to prepare the team for the specific conditions and challenges they may face during the World Cup.England's recent ODI series sweep against New Zealand has instilled confidence in the team, allowing them to maintain an experimental mindset regardless of the pitch or opposition. The team's dominant performances, including a comfortable chase of 212 in Bristol, have showcased their depth and adaptability.Knight revealed that England is nearing the finalization of their squad for the T20 World Cup, with only a few spots remaining to be determined. The selection process has been challenging due to the impressive performances of the players, highlighting the intense competition within the team.Freya Kemp's return as an allrounder and Sophia Dunkley's inclusion in the squad after a disappointing tour of New Zealand earlier this year add depth to England's options. Seamer Lauren Bell's breakthrough performance in Bristol, where she claimed her maiden five-wicket haul, has boosted her confidence and solidified her position in the team.Knight praised Bell's resilience and determination in overcoming a difficult period where she was working on modifying her bowling technique. She believes that Bell's experience will be invaluable for the team going forward.

England's T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand has been announced, with Sophia Dunkley making a swift return after being recalled to the ODI squad last week. The 16-strong squad remains largely unchanged from the one that defeated Pakistan 3-0 last month, with Freya Kemp set to feature as an allrounder as she continues her recovery from a back injury.Dunkley's recall is a testament to her impressive form at regional level, where she is the leading run-scorer in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. She has also performed well in the Charlotte Edwards Cup T20 competition, scoring two half-centuries.Kemp, who made her international debut in 2022, has been gradually returning to action after suffering a back stress fracture during England's tour of the Caribbean. She has played as a batter only in recent months, but England head coach Jon Lewis hopes to see her bowl during the New Zealand series.The absence of Mahika Gaur from the squad is due to a side strain. Gaur, who made her ODI debut for England last year, will have finished her A-Levels by the time the T20Is start, but Lewis has indicated that she will be involved in squad activities as she continues her development.Lewis emphasized the importance of the New Zealand series as preparation for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh later this year. He said, "This five-match series against a strong New Zealand side is really important for us and also vital preparation as we build towards the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh."

Southern Vipers, the reigning Charlotte Edwards Cup (CEC) champions, secured their first victory of the 2023 campaign with a dominant 19-run triumph over Sunrisers. The match witnessed record-breaking performances from England's Georgia Elwiss and Freya Kemp, who propelled Vipers to a formidable total of 171 for 2.Elwiss and Kemp forged an unbroken 110-run partnership, the highest for any wicket in Vipers' history. Elwiss anchored the innings with a composed 73 off 57 deliveries, while Kemp unleashed her power-hitting prowess, smashing 55 off 35 balls, including three maximums. Their alliance surpassed the previous Vipers' best of 108, set by Danni Wyatt and Maia Bouchier in last year's Eliminator.In response, Sunrisers' chase was spearheaded by Mady Villiers and Jo Gardner, who shared a 75-run stand. Gardner played the role of anchor, reaching her maiden CEC half-century, while Villiers fell just short of her own fifty. However, Vipers' bowlers tightened their grip, with Mary Taylor claiming two wickets in quick succession to swing the momentum in their favor.Despite Gardner's late power-hitting, Sunrisers fell short of the target, finishing on 152 for 5. Freya Davies, Linsey Smith, and Taylor were the standout bowlers for Vipers, each claiming two wickets.Elwiss's innings marked her first CEC half-century, while Kemp's fifty was her second for Vipers and her first in T20 cricket. Their record-breaking partnership laid the foundation for Vipers' victory, showcasing their exceptional batting prowess.

England's T20I opener against Pakistan on Saturday will be without all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, who has undergone a minor medical procedure. Captain Heather Knight confirmed the news on the eve of the match, revealing that left-hander Freya Kemp will take Sciver-Brunt's place at No. 5 in the batting order.Sciver-Brunt's absence provides an opportunity for Kemp, who is in the squad solely as a batter while recovering from a back injury. Knight praised Kemp's clean ball-striking and left-handedness, which is a rarity in the England team.Knight also highlighted the emergence of young all-rounders like Dani Gibson and Maia Bouchier, who impressed during England's recent tour of New Zealand. She emphasized the importance of guiding these players and helping them fulfill their potential.The New Zealand tour was a crucial step in England's preparation for the T20 Women's World Cup in Bangladesh in October. Knight believes the team has evolved its T20 game, adapting to different pitch conditions and becoming more strategic in their approach.Meanwhile, Pakistan arrives in England after a disappointing tour by West Indies. However, Knight warned against complacency, citing Pakistan's recent series win in New Zealand and the energy that often comes with a new captain and retirements.The match in Birmingham is the first of three T20Is between the sides, followed by games in Northampton and Leeds. A three-match ODI series will conclude the tour.