England have unveiled their squads for the upcoming multi-format Ashes series in Australia, backing a settled core across all formats as they aim to reclaim the Ashes trophy last won in 2015.
Kate Cross, a key pace bowler, has been named in both the ODI and Test squads after recovering from a back injury sustained during the recent tour of South Africa. Cross's inclusion is a boost for the visitors, who will rely on her experience in pivotal matches.
The ODI squad remains largely unchanged from the side that clinched a 2-1 series win against South Africa, with the exception of all-rounder Freya Kemp, who is limited to the T20 squad. Bess Heath, now fit after a fractured thumb, rejoins the 16-player T20I group, while Alice Capsey returns to the T20I squad after being dropped earlier but called in as injury cover during the South Africa tour.
Ryanna MacDonald-Gay, who impressed with two wickets on her Test debut against South Africa, retains her place in the 14-player Test squad. Additionally, bowler Mahika Gaur, working her way back to full fitness, will be part of the group in a non-playing capacity.
"We have named balanced squads for this Ashes series, with a good mix of youth and experience," said England coach Jon Lewis. "Ashes series are always special. We want to go there, play our way, and are all excited about the challenges ahead."
England's confidence is bolstered by a commanding tour of South Africa, where they swept the T20I series 3-0, won the ODI leg 2-1, and capped it off with a resounding 286-run victory in the one-off Test.
Reflecting on the South Africa tour, captain Heather Knight expressed optimism: "I think we'll take great confidence from it. Whenever we play Test cricket, because we play it so scarcely, you're always learning about how you go about it. This was a really important tour for us after the disappointment at the World Cup, and we had a lot of good conversations about moving forward with freedom, particularly in white-ball cricket."
The full England squads for Ashes series:- England ODI squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
- England T20I squad: Heather Knight (c), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
- England Test squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
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