Kent captain Charlotte Edwards was today named as captain of a 15-strong England Women’s squad for the ICC Women’s World Cup to be held in India in February.
Edwards will go into her fifth World Cup with England as reigning champions having won the trophy for the third time in the history of the competition in Sydney in 2009.
Charlotte Edwards said: “The whole team is really excited about defending our world title in Mumbai in February. I’m so proud to be captaining such a talented team in what is the pinnacle event in our sport.”
Eight members of the victorious 2009 squad will be complemented by six players experiencing their first World 50-over competition. Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Danielle Hazell and Danielle Wyatt along with the uncapped Amy Jones from Warwickshire, were all part of the ICC World Twenty20 squad to reach the final in Sri Lanka in October but have never played in the 50-over Women’s World Cup. Medium-fast bowler Georgia Elwiss will be experiencing the world stage for the first time in her career and is the only addition to the recent World Twenty20 squad.
Elwiss will be a valuable asset following her consistent performances this season including a career best 3-17 against India in the 2012 NatWest Series. The combination of Katherine Brunt, Anya Shrubsole and Elwiss alongside four other spinners including Sussex’s left-armer Holly Colvin will ensure Charlotte Edwards has a variety of bowling options at her disposal.
Edwards continued: “There is a great blend to our squad with a combination of experienced players who were part of the 2009 success and emerging young players who have already shown that they can perform at this level. Every player in our squad has experience of playing in sub-continental conditions and we will continue to work hard during our final preparations so come February we are in the best possible shape to defend our title.”
Head of England Women’s Cricket, Clare Connor said: “It has never been harder to select the England Women’s squad than ahead of this ICC World Cup. So many players have impressed during 2012 and this final group of 15 should be congratulated on their selection. They have the honour of going to the World Cup as the current world champions and we wish them every success in rising to the challenge of bringing the trophy home again.”
Drawn in group A, England will face India, West Indies and Sri Lanka. After the group matches the top three will move through to the Super Six stage along with the top three teams from group B (Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa), with the competition culminating in the final on Sunday 17th February.
England will depart on 17th January for a preparation camp before facing Sri Lanka in their first match of the competition on 2ndFebruary.
All England Women’s games will be broadcast on BBC Radio and a selection of ten games from across the competition, including the final, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
England Women 2013 World Cup squad
Charlotte Edwards (Kent) (captain)
Tammy Beaumont (Kent)
Arran Brindle (Sussex)
Katherine Brunt (Yorkshire)
Holly Colvin (Sussex)
Georgia Elwiss (Sussex)
Lydia Greenway (Kent)
Jenny Gunn (Nottinghamshire)
Danielle Hazell (Yorkshire)
Amy Jones (Warwickshire)
Heather Knight (Berkshire)
Laura Marsh (Kent)
Anya Shrubsole (Somerset)
Sarah Taylor (Sussex)
Danielle Wyatt (Staffordshire)