In addition to Sarah Glenn and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who were out from the most recent series against India, former captain Heather Knight was chosen on Thursday in England’s 15-man team for the forthcoming ICC Women’s World Cup.
After missing the last two months owing to a tendon injury in her right hamstring, Knight is back in the squad.
Knight has been included in the squad as she continues her injury recovery, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a press release that she hopes to be ready for the competition, which takes place from September 30 to November 2.
Glenn is one of the team’s four specialist spinners and one of six players starting their first ODI World Cup. It will also be Nat Sciver-Brunt’s first time leading an ICC tournament as captain.
In April, Sciver-Brunt, the top-ranked ODI batter in the world, was named captain for all formats.
Although Alice Davidson-Richards, Kate Cross, and Maia Bouchier have been left out, Wyatt-Hodge, who last played for England in the 50-over format during their Ashes loss in Australia, is back.
With Australia returning as the defending champions after defeating England in the 2022 World Cup final, the competition marks the nation’s first World Cup under new captain Sciver-Brunt and head coach Charlotte Edwards.
“Being selected to play for your country in a World Cup is one of the biggest honours in sport and I’m delighted for all the players named in the squad,” said Edwards.
“Like all global tournaments, it will be a huge challenge but we want to go as far as we possibly can in India and I believe that if we play our best cricket we can compete with anyone.
“Conditions mean we have gone for the extra spinner and we’re lucky to be able to have such depth in this department, it’s fantastic to welcome Sarah Glenn back. That does mean there’s no room for Kate Cross, Maia Bouchier or Alice Davidson-Richards, which will be disappointing for them.”
The England coach added, “It’s also great to have Danni back in the squad, she’s been in good form in domestic cricket and she’ll bring dynamism and depth to our batting, alongside Heather, who we are absolutely delighted to be able to select. She’ll be a huge asset for us.”
England Squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (Captain), Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
