England Women are set to play a five-match intra-squad T20 series in Pretoria this March as part of their preparations for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to take place in June and July and will be hosted by England and Wales. With the event on home soil, England aim to make the most of familiar conditions while identifying the strongest squad for the competition.
The series was initially planned in Abu Dhabi, but it has now been moved to South Africa due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Teams Named After England Cricket Icons
The squads for the intra-squad contest have been named after two England cricket legends — Jan Brittin and Rachael Heyhoe Flint — both of whom won World Cup titles in their home country.
Nat Sciver-Brunt will captain Team Brittin, while Charlie Dean will lead Team Heyhoe Flint. Jon Lewis will serve as coach for Team Brittin and Luke Williams will guide Team Heyhoe Flint, with Charlotte Edwards overseeing the camp as head coach for both sides.
Opportunity For Emerging Players
The five-match series also provides an important platform for several players yet to make their international debut for England. The eight uncapped players involved are:
- Tilly Corteen-Coleman
- Jodi Grewcock
- Grace Potts
- Grace Scrivens
- Alexa Stonehouse
- Davina Perrin
- Rhianna Southby
- Ellie Threlkeld
The series offers these players a chance to demonstrate their ability and strengthen their case for selection ahead of the T20 World Cup.
“This is a big opportunity for every player involved to put their hand up and demonstrate that they’re an invaluable part of our World Cup plans,” Edwards said. “It’s the same chance for every player, whether they’re new to the team or they’ve played 100 games. We want to use this series as a chance to stretch ourselves and put ourselves under pressure in competitive match situations.”
Edwards also highlighted the broader preparation schedule for the squad.
“Adding a more competitive element is our next step, and I’m really pleased with how the group is coming along ahead of a massive summer.”
England Prepare For A Crucial Summer
Alongside the Pretoria series, Edwards confirmed that the team has already held skill-focused training camps in Oman and Stellenbosch this year.
With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup approaching, England are continuing to refine their squad and preparation plans. Playing at home later this year, the team will aim to combine experience and emerging talent as they look to perform strongly in the tournament.
Squads
Team Heyhoe Flint
Charlie Dean, Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Sophie Ecclestone, Mahika Gaur, Dani Gibson, Jodi Grewcock, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Grace Potts, Grace Scrivens, Alexa Stonehouse, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Team Brittin
Nat Sciver-Brunt, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley, Lauren Filer, Freya Kemp, Charis Pavely, Davina Perrin, Paige Scholfield, Linsey Smith, Rhianna Southby, Ellie Threlkeld, Mady Villiers, Issy Wong
The five-match T20 contest is expected to provide valuable match practice for England Women as players compete for spots in the squad ahead of the upcoming global tournament.
