Changes in the T20I Squad
The T20I squad sees a notable absence: Alice Capsey, a young talent who struggled for form during the recent World Cup. Capsey’s exclusion follows a tough few matches where she managed only 19 runs across three World Cup innings. Since then, her struggles have continued in Australia’s Big Bash League, making it a challenging period for the 19-year-old all-rounder.
Replacing her, Paige Scholfield and fast bowler Lauren Filer join the T20I team. Scholfield made her England debut in Ireland, while Filer missed the World Cup but now steps into all three formats for the South Africa tour. Meanwhile, Dani Gibson is out after undergoing knee surgery.
ODI and Test Squads: Key Players and New Faces
The ODI squad includes Capsey, despite her omission from the T20I lineup. England’s ODI and Test captain, Heather Knight, will lead across all formats. Freya Kemp and Maia Bouchier could be potential debutants in the Test format, as England prepares for its first women’s Test in South Africa since 2002.
Knight’s recent return to play after a ligament injury is a boost to the team’s leadership, as they aim to recover from their World Cup setback.
Training and Preparation
With several players currently active in the Big Bash League, the remaining squad has been training at Loughborough to prepare for the series. The T20I squad is set to depart for South Africa on November 16, with the ODI and Test squads joining them later in the month.
England Women’s Cricket Squads for South Africa Tour
T20I Squad
- Heather Knight (captain)
- Lauren Bell
- Maia Bouchier
- Charlie Dean
- Sophia Dunkley
- Sophie Ecclestone
- Lauren Filer
- Sarah Glenn
- Bess Heath
- Amy Jones
- Freya Kemp
- Paige Scholfield
- Nat Sciver-Brunt
- Linsey Smith
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge
ODI Squad
- Heather Knight (captain)
- Tammy Beaumont
- Lauren Bell
- Maia Bouchier
- Alice Capsey
- Kate Cross
- Charlie Dean
- Sophia Dunkley
- Sophie Ecclestone
- Lauren Filer
- Sarah Glenn
- Amy Jones
- Freya Kemp
- Nat Sciver-Brunt
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Test Squad
- Heather Knight (captain)
- Tammy Beaumont
- Lauren Bell
- Maia Bouchier
- Kate Cross
- Charlie Dean
- Sophia Dunkley
- Sophie Ecclestone
- Lauren Filer
- Amy Jones
- Freya Kemp
- Nat Sciver-Brunt
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge
The Road Ahead
The tour is essential not just for the immediate contests against South Africa but also as a build-up to the Women’s Ashes series in Australia, starting in January. ECB deputy chair Clare Connor highlighted the importance of this tour as a stepping stone for England’s women as they look to learn from recent challenges and strengthen for the future.
Head Coach’s Comments
Jon Lewis, head coach of England Women, addressed some of the recent criticisms following the World Cup exit. He emphasized that the team works hard on physical preparation and disputed comments regarding fitness levels, noting that the squad is in good shape and progressing well.
As the England women’s team takes on South Africa, this tour represents a fresh chance to prove themselves and regain their place among the elite teams in women’s cricket.
