Edwards, Greenway and Marsh in England women’s squad to tour New Zealand
Monday 19th January 2015
Three of Kent's County Championship-winning squad have been called up for England women’s tour of New Zealand next month.
Kent and England captainCharlotte Edwardswill be joined by batsmanLydia Greenwayand all-rounderLaura Marsh.
Edwards, 35, has recently returned from a spell as Western Fury skipper in Australia and will lead the 18-strong squad in eight matches against the White Ferns.
Farnborough-born left-hander Greenway, 29, has played 13 Tests, 117 ODIs and 74 T20Is since her debut in 2003 and is rated as one of the top fielders in women’s cricket.
Completing the Kent contingent, Laura Marsh, 28, from Pembury, has played six Tests, 69 ODIs and 55 T20Is. It is the first time that she has been part of an England squad since playing a key role in the 2013 Women’s Ashes success.
ECB Head of England Women’s Cricket, Clare Connor, said: “The selectors were in a privileged position when picking the New Zealand touring party with every player in the 21-strong England women’s performance programme fit and available for selection.
“As a result, this is one of the strongest squads that we have been able to name for a while, and I am especially pleased to see Laura Marsh and Rebecca Grundy return to international duty, following their extended absences through injury.
“This year is hugely important for England women, with the home Women’s Ashes series fast approaching.
“However, in respect of the ICC Women’s Championship and ultimately qualification for the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup in England, this series against New Zealand carries exactly the same significance as the series against Australia later in the summer.
“The first three ODIs between England and New Zealand will count directly towards qualification for that World Cup, and New Zealand are a very good team, so there’s no question that this will be a tough tour.”
Another member of Kent's successful squad from last season will feature in the series as New Zealand fast bowler Erin Bermingham earned a recall to Susie Bates' 14-man squad.
England women's squad to tour New Zealand:
Charlotte Edwards (captain,Kent),Katherine Brunt (Yorkshire), Kathryn Cross (Lancashire),Lydia Greenway (Kent),Rebecca Grundy (Warwickshire), Jenny Gunn (Nottinghamshire), Danielle Hazell (Yorkshire), Amy Jones (Warwickshire), Heather Knight (vice-captain,Berkshire),Laura Marsh (Kent),Natalie Sciver (Surrey), Anya Shrubsole (Somerset), Sarah Taylor (Sussex), Lauren Winfield (Yorkshire), Danielle Wyatt (Nottinghamshire).
England will face New Zealand in five One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals:
11 February: 1st ODI*, Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui
13 February: 2nd ODI*, Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui
15 February: 3rd ODI*, Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui
19 February: 1st T20I, Cobham Oval, Whangarei
20 February: 2nd T20I, Cobham Oval, Whangarei
24 February: 3rd T20I: Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln
26 February: 4th ODI, Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln
28 February: 5th ODI, Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln
England take on Australiaat The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrencein the only Women's Ashes Test Match as part of an extended Canterbury Week this summer.
Entry to the Women’s Ashes Kia Test on August 11-14 and Kent v Australia men on June 25-28 is included in Kent All Rounder and Championship Plus Memberships and is an option for Six Pack package holders.
Members can also buy up to six guest tickets before the fixture goes on general sale in March 2015.