England announce initial women's squad for Ashes

Charlotte Edwards has been named the captain of the women’s squad

The English selectors named a preliminary 18 player squad to face Australia in the Women’s Ashes that kicks-off on August 11. Natasha Farrant, Natalie Sciver and Lauren Winfield, who made their international debuts against Pakistan last-week, have all been included in the squad that is likely to be trimmed to 15 early next month.

Katherine Blunt, Holly Colvin and Laura Marsh return to the squad after missing the recent Natwest Women’s international fixtures owing to rehabilitation from injuries.

Commenting on the squad, the head of England women’s cricket said, “It is pleasing to see such healthy competition for places. Exciting players from the academy have stepped up into England squad in the recent internationals against Pakistan and have made an outstanding contribution on and off the pitch.

This is an exiting time for all players, both young and experienced, who will have the honor of taking on Australia in the Ashes.”

For the first time ever, the Ashes will be contested across multiple formats. The 2013 Women’s Ashes series will comprise one Test match, three Natwest One day Internationals and three international T20s. Points will be allocated to each format – the winners of the Test will be awarded six points; two points to the winners of each limited overs games.

The team that accures most number of points will clinch the Ashes crown.

Australia are the holders of Women’s Ashes after sealing a one-off Test match in Sydney in January 2011.

England Women’s Ashes squad:

Charlotte Edwards(c)Tammy BeaumontArran BrindleKatherine BruntHolly ColvinGeorgia ElwissNatasha FarrantLydia GreenwayJenny GunnDanielle HazellAmy JonesLaura MarshHeather KnightNatalie SciverSarah TaylorAnya ShrubsoleLauren WinfieldDanielle Wyatt