Kent Women talents in England Women U19 T20 World Cup squad

Three Kent Women stars have been selected for England in their 15-player squad for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

It’s the first time the best U19 cricketers have come together from the women’s game to compete in an ICC Global Event. The tournament will be hosted by South Africa, & sees 16 countries competing from January 14 to January 29.

In addition to the 11 Full ICC Members, there are five Associates in the competition – Indonesia, Rwanda, Scotland, the UAE and the USA. England will be in Group B, alongside Pakistan, Zimbabwe & Rwanda.

Chris Guest, of Lightning, has been chosen as Head Coach following an open recruitment process. He will be assisted by former Kent Women star Laura Marsh (Sunrisers) & Darren Franklin (Central Sparks).

Five non-travelling reserves have also been selected, including Kent & South East Stars wicketkeeper-batter Jemima Spence. The reserves won’t travel but will take a full part throughout the preparation phase & act as stand-by players should a replacement player be required.

England Women Under-19 T20 World Cup Squad in full:

• Ellie Anderson (Worcestershire & Central Sparks)
• Hannah Baker (Warwickshire & Central Sparks)
• Josie Groves (Northamptonshire & Lightning)
• Liberty Heap (Lancashire & Thunder)
• Niamh Holland (Somerset & Western Storm)
• Ryana MacDonald-Gay (Kent & South East Stars)
• Emma Marlow (Yorkshire & Northern Diamonds)
• Charis Pavely (Worcestershire & Central Sparks)
• Davina Perrin (Staffordshire & Central Sparks)
• Lizzie Scott (Durham & Northern Diamonds)
• Grace Scrivens (Kent & Sunrisers)
• Sophia Smale (Wales & Western Storm)
• Seren Smale (Lancashire & Thunder)
• Alexa Stonehouse (Kent & South East Stars)
• Maddie Ward (Nottinghamshire & Lightning)

Selection was chaired by Richard Bedbrook, Head of England Women Performance Pathways. Bedbrook said: “It’s hugely exciting to name this squad and to think ahead to the opportunity that awaits the players.

“They’re a tremendous group of young cricketers with great potential at the beginning of their journeys in the game. They’ll all benefit hugely from this experience – on and off the field. It’s important to compete at this age-group and it’s equally important to continue the process of learning what it takes to progress to the next level. I’m sure we’ll take a lot away from the tournament.

“We have the ambition for the next few months to be a significant life moment for all the players and ensure they use it as a springboard towards making an impact in senior regional cricket, and hopefully beyond in years to come.

“The ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup will provide an exciting platform for the best young players around the world and it will be really exciting to see our players compete against their peers in a global event.”

England Women U19 World Cup Fixtures:

• Sunday January 15: England Women U19 vs. Zimbabwe Women U19, 13:45
• Tuesday January 17: England Women U19 vs. Pakistan Women U19, 13:45
• Thursday January 19: England Women U19 vs. Rwanda Women U19, 10:00
• Saturday January 21-Wednesday January 25: Super Six League (The top three teams from Group A versus the top three teams in Group D; Group B v Group C)
• Friday January 27: ICC Women’s U19 World Cup Semi-Finals, 10:00 & 13:45
• Sunday January 29: ICC Women’s U19 World Cup Final, 13:45