Essex and Sunrisers spinner, Mady Villiers has been named England Women’s squad for the upcoming Ashes Series which takes place overseas in January.
An England Women’s A squad has also been announcedm which will accompany the senior group throughout the tour.
There is a 17-strong senior group, and 12 players in the England Women’s A squad.
Selection will focus on the senior group but there is scope for members of the England Women’s A squad to be called into the Ashes squad while on tour.
England Women’s Ashes Squad:
Heather Knight (Western Storm, captain)
Tammy Beaumont (Lightning)
Maia Bouchier (Southern Vipers)
Katherine Brunt (Northern Diamonds)
Kate Cross (Thunder)
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-captain)
Anya Shrubsole (Western Storm)
Mady Villiers (Sunrisers)
Lauren Winfield-Hill (Northern Diamonds)
Danni Wyatt (Southern Vipers)
England Women’s A Squad:
Emily Arlott (Central Sparks)
Lauren Bell (Southern Vipers)
Alice Capsey (South East Stars)
Alice Davidson-Richards (South East Stars)
Georgia Elwiss (Southern Vipers)
Kirstie Gordon (Lightning)
Eve Jones (Central Sparks)
Beth Langston (Northern Diamonds)
Emma Lamb (Thunder)
Bryony Smith (South East Stars)
Ellie Threlkeld (Thunder)
Issy Wong (Central Sparks)
Head Coach Lisa Keightley said: “It’s always exciting to head to Australia to take on the challenge of winning the Ashes and we’re really looking forward to going out there and making some memories as a team.
“This is the first time we’ve taken an England Women’s A squad alongside the senior team, which is a big step forward for us. It gives us great depth, and provides so much competition for places. It’s also an invaluable development opportunity for those players pushing for senior selection.
“Similarly, it’s also a good chance to get more 50-over cricket under our belts ahead of our defence of the ICC Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.
“We’ve got a nice blend of experienced pros and youngsters, and it’s a trip we’ve been preparing for since the end of our summer. A multi-format series is a great test of all our skills, and we can’t wait to get out there.”
England Women A will take on Australia A in 50-over and 20-over fixtures, while also playing the senior England Women’s team in a number of internal warm-up fixtures.
Women’s Ashes Fixtures:
Thursday 27 – Sunday 30 January: Only Test Match, Canberra, 12am GMT (4 points)
Friday 4 February: 1st IT20, Sydney, 9:10am (2 points)
Sunday 6 February: 2nd IT20, Sydney, 9:10am (2 points)
Thursday 10 February: 3rd IT20, Adelaide, 9:10am (2 points)
Sunday 13 February: 1st ODI, Adelaide, 12:05am (2 points)
Wednesday 16 February: 2nd ODI, Melbourne, 12:05am (2 points)
Saturday 19 February: 3rd ODI, Melbourne, 12:05am (2 points)
England Women’s A Fixtures:
Wednesday 26 January: 1st T20, England Women A v Australia A
Friday 28 January: 2nd T20, England Women A v Australia A
Sunday 30 January: 3rd T20, England Women A v Australia A
Saturday 5 February: 1st 50-over match, England Women A v Australia A
Wednesday 9 February: 2nd 50-over match, England Women A v Australia A
Friday 11 February: 3rd 50-over match, England Women A v Australia A
Warm-Up Fixtures:
Monday 17- Wednesday 19 January: Three-Day Warm-Up, England Women’s XI v England Women’s A
Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 January: Two-Day Warm-Up, England Women’s XI v England Women’s A
Wednesday 2 February: Governor General’s XI v England, Sydney
