Tammy Beaumont to skipper England Women’s Academy squad in Dubai versus Australian side

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today announced a 14-player England Women’s Academy (EWA) squad to play four 50-over matches and two Twenty20s against their Australian equivalents – the Commonwealth Bank Shooting Stars – in the UAE next month.

Kent Cricket Academy graduate Tammy Beaumont will lead an experienced EWA touring party which also includes and county colleague Natasha Farrant.

The squad also includes Lauren Winfield (Yorkshire) and Amy Jones (Warwickshire) from England women’s successful tour to New Zealand last month, alongside 2014 Women’s Ashes winner Georgia Elwiss (Sussex).

In addition to the players targeting a permanent spot in the England women’s team, the EWA squad for Dubai also includes five exciting prospects, who will be looking to make a positive impression: Staffordshire duo Stephanie Butler and Evelyn Jones, leg-spinner Alex Hartley (Middlesex), all-rounder Alex MacDonald (Gloucestershire) and Somerset’s Sophie Luff.

Commenting on the EWA squad and the purpose of the tour, ECB’s Head of England Women’s Cricket, Clare Connor, said: “The EWA tour to Dubai presents a very exciting opportunity for this group of players to gain some valuable experience of playing in overseas conditions against tough opposition.

“Ahead of the Women’s Ashes this summer, the ICC Women's World Twenty20 in 2016, and the ICC Women’s World Cup in 2017, it is criticalthat we expose ourmost talented youngplayers to as many high pressure cricket situations as possible.

“This six-match series against the Commonwealth Bank Shooting Starsis designed to dojustthat,andit’swhy we’ve selected a strong squad, which contains a blend of contractedEngland women’splayersalongsideuncapped players suchas Stephanie Butler and EvelynJones.

“With the Women’s Ashesfast approaching, I am certain that every one of the 14playerswill grab this opportunityto stake a claim fora place in theEngland women’s Ashes squad this summer.”

EWA Head Coach, Lisa Keightley will oversee the two-week long tour from March 30 – April 13, with England Women’s Assistant Coach and former England cricketer, David Capel, providing further coaching support to the players.

The entire series will be played at the ICC Academy in Dubai, with the four 50-over matches being played on April 2, 4, 6 and 8, followed by the two Twenty20s on April 11 and 12.

Australia take on Englandat The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrencein the only Women's Kia Test Match as part of the Ashes in an extended Canterbury Week this summer.

Entry to the Women’s 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.

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England Women’s Academy Squad for Dubai:

Name	County
Tammy Beaumont+* (capt)	Kent
Stephanie Butler	Staffordshire
Jodie Dibble*	Devon
Georgia Elwiss+* (vice-captain)	Sussex
Natasha Farrant+*	Kent
Alex Hartley	Middlesex
Amy Jones+*	Warwickshire
Evelyn Jones	Staffordshire
Beth Langston*	Essex
Sophie Luff	Somerset
Alex MacDonald	Gloucestershire
Sonia Odedra*	Berkshire
Fran Wilson*	Middlesex
Lauren Winfield+*	Yorkshire