Sophia Dunkley has been recalled to England’s T20I squad just a week after making a return to the ODI team for the upcoming series against New Zealand. The squad also includes Freya Kemp, who is set to feature as an allrounder as she continues her recovery from a back injury.
England’s 16-player squad for the five-match T20 series remains largely unchanged from the one that secured a 3-0 victory over Pakistan last month. However, Mahika Gaur, the 18-year-old fast bowler, is absent due to a side strain. Gaur, who has been completing her A-Levels, will have finished her exams by the time the T20Is begin.
Freya Kemp, the 19-year-old left-arm seamer, has been recovering from a back stress fracture that she sustained during England’s tour of the Caribbean in December 2022. She made a promising international debut against South Africa in the English summer of 2022 and became the youngest England player to score a T20I half-century against India a few months later. Kemp has been playing as a batter for England A and in regional cricket while managing her back injury.
Jon Lewis, England’s head coach, expressed hope that Gaur would join squad activities as part of her development. Gaur made her ODI debut for England against Sri Lanka last September and has played 19 T20I matches for the UAE.
Lewis emphasized the importance of the upcoming series against New Zealand, noting its role in preparation for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. “This five-match series against a strong New Zealand side is really important for us,” Lewis said. “We are pleased to welcome Freya Kemp back as an allrounder and hope to see her bowl across this series. Sophia Dunkley comes back into the squad after showing good form at regional level.”
Dunkley has been in impressive form for South East Stars in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, where she is the leading run-scorer with 293 runs at an average of 97.66. She also performed well in the Charlotte Edwards Cup T20 competition.
The England Women’s squad for the series against New Zealand is as follows: Heather Knight (captain), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith, and Danielle Wyatt.