(Cricket news) Maia Bouchier and Charlie Dean have been called up to the England Women’s squad for the first time for the three-match Vitality T20 series against New Zealand.
The Southern Vipers duo are the only additions to the group which overcame India 2-1 in the T20s in July.
Heather Knight (Western Storm, cap) ,Tammy Beaumont (Lightning),Maia Bouchier (Southern Vipers),Katherine Brunt (Northern Diamonds),Freya Davies (South East Stars),Charlie Dean (Southern Vipers),Sophia Dunkley (South East Stars),Sophie Ecclestone (Thunder) Tash Farrant (South East Stars),Sarah Glenn (Central Sparks),Amy Jones (Central Sparks),Nat Sciver (Northern Diamonds, vice cap),Anya Shrubsole (Western Storm),Mady Villiers (Sunrisers),Danni Wyatt (Southern Vipers)
Head Coach Lisa Keightley said: “We’re looking at more players than ever before, which is so exciting. “In the past selection meetings have by necessity been quite focused on the Centrally Contracted group, but the fact that so many other players are sticking their hand up and pushing for selection is testament to the progress the domestic structure is allowing the women’s game to make.
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“We’re seeing improvements across the board, and there were a number of young English players who also shone in The Hundred, which bodes really well for the future.
“This is another big series for us, and I want the team to continue from where they left off in the series win over India.”
The Vitality IT20 series gets underway on Wednesday September 1 at Chelmsford. The squad for the five-match Royal London Series will be announced at a later date.
Vitality IT20 Series
Wednesday September 1: 1st Vitality IT20. England v New Zealand (The Cloudfm County Ground, Chelmsford). 18.30.
Saturday September 4: 2nd Vitality IT20. England v New Zealand (The 1st Central County Ground, Hove). 19.00.
Thursday September 9: 3rd Vitality IT20. England v New Zealand (The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton). 18.30.
