England name four potential Women’s Ashes debutants in squad for series

England have named four potential Ashes debutants in their squad for next month’s multi-format series in Australia.

Heather Knight’s side are bidding to win the Ashes for the first time in 10 years, with Australia retaining in a thrilling drawn series in England in 2023.

All-rounder Freya Kemp and spinner Linsey Smith are both named in the T20 squad, with wicketkeeper Bess Heath included in the T20 and Test squads as the trio compete to make their Ashes debuts.

Seamer Ryana MacDonald-Gay is also included in the Test squad after impressing on debut in the recent tour of South Africa.

The Women’s Ashes begins on January 11 with three ODIs, followed by three T20s and a single Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 30.

England recovered from T20 World Cup disappointment to comfortably beat South Africa, losing just one ODI across the multi-format series.

Nat Sciver-Brunt is set to be the key figure for England in their pursuit of the Ashes, after a superb year which culminated in her hitting the fastest century in women’s Tests against South Africa, from just 96 balls.

Head coach Jon Lewis said: “We have named balanced squads for this Ashes series, with a good mix of youth and experience.

“Ashes series are always special. We want to go there, play our way and are all excited about the challenges ahead.”