London, May 3 (IANS ) Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith and fast-bowling all-rounder Freya Kemp have been picked for England’s T20I series against Pakistan, starting on May 11 at Edgbaston.
Notable omissions include batters Sophia Dunkley and Tammy Beaumont, who had an underwhelming time with the bat in T20Is against New Zealand earlier this year. Tammy, the right-handed opener, finds a place in the ODI series squad, so as seam-bowling all-rounder Kate Cross.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said all-rounder Kemp will be available as a batter during the T20I series against Pakistan, in continuation of her recovery from a long-standing back injury. Linsey retains her place in the T20I set-up after making a return to England colours on the New Zealand tour.
Leg-spinner Sarah Glenn returns after missing the ODI series against New Zealand due to a concussion suffered during the T20I series. England wrapped up a 4-1 T20I series win in New Zealand in March, and then secured a 2-1 ODI series win over the same opposition.
“We are really excited to start our home summer. It’s great to be kicking off the summer of sport on home soil. Edgbaston is an incredible place to play cricket, the atmosphere is always special and it will be a huge occasion. I know the group are looking forward to playing in front of our fans in grounds across the country throughout the series.”
“It’s great to see England’s men’s and women’s teams playing side by side again after the success of the Ashes last year. These two series’ against Pakistan give us an opportunity to build, develop and ensure we are in the best place come the World Cup in Bangladesh in September.”
“We are very keen whenever possible to make sure all the players vying for places in the World Cup squad get opportunities to play cricket this summer so that they are able to put in performances that help secure a place in the squad for Bangladesh,” said head coach Jon Lewis.
Following the completion of first T20I, England and Pakistan will then travel to The County Ground, Northampton for the second T20I, slated for May 17, before finishing the series at Headingley on May 19. It is followed immediately by three ODIs to be held at Derby, Taunton and Chelmsford on May 23, 26 and 29 respectively.
England Women T20I squad: Heather Knight (C), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith and Danielle Wyatt
England Women ODI squad: Heather Knight (C), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Danielle Wyatt