England have called up Fran Wilson for the opening ODI of the Ashes against Australia, starting on Tuesday in Leicester.
Wilson played just one match in England’s recent 3-0 ODI sweep against West Indies but took the catch of the series to dismiss Hayley Matthews in the third match. Wilson also scored 91 for England Acacemy against Australia in a warm-up match at Loughborough on Friday.
Allrounder Jenny Gunn, who also made one appearance against West Indies – in the same match as Wilson – has also earned a place in England’s 14-strong squad, along with top-order batsman Lauren Winfield.
With England on a 14-match winning streak across all formats, captain Heather Knight her side were excited to “get started” against Australia.
“You play cricket for series like this, they’re special, so we’re all just raring to go,” Knight said. “It wasn’t an easy squad to pick. We’ve won 14 games in a row and during that time time different people have performed and stuck their hand up. That bodes well for the Ashes and hopefully we can maintain that form throughout this series.
“We’re really happy with this group. There’s a good feeling amongst us and we want to go out there and regain the Ashes. That’s our primary focus for the next month.”
Knight, who suffered a hamstring injury during the only T20 match against West Indies – the other two were washed out – has recovered to be named in the squad.
With England Women’s Academy playing against Australia A throughout the ODI series, players may be called up as back-up options.
The Ashes, held by Australia, will be contested over three ODIs, a stand-alone four-day Test and three T20Is. ODIs and T20s are worth 2 points each for a win, while four points are up for grabs in the Test.
England: Heather Knight (capt), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone, Jenny Gunn, Amy Jones, Laura Marsh, Nat Sciver, Anya Shrubsole, Sarah Taylor (wk), Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield, Danni Wyatt.
Source: ESPN Crickinfo