England Women’s Cricket Team. (Photo Source: Gareth Copley – ECB/ECB via Getty Images)
As England and Australia gear up for the upcoming edition of the Women’s Ashes, the hosts have named their playing combination for the one-off Test, which is set to be played from June 22. The arch-rivals will square off at Trent Bridge in Nottingham to kick-off the Ashes series, and with an injury setback, England have made amends to their playing XI.
With Issy Wong and Danielle Gibson missing out of the contest, Lauren Filer and Danni Wyatt have claimed a spot in the playing XI. Following a strong performance throughout the summer of 2023, 22-year-old Lauren Filer was picked to be a part of the Test in place of Issy Wong.
Issy was a part of England’s XI against South Africa, but has been having trouble finding her groove lately. She played a key role in Mumbai Indians’ campaign during the inaugural Women’s Premier League and also picked up the first and only hat-trick of the tournament, but she’ll be a miss in the Test lineup.
Filer had been sensational in the domestic games, having picked up five wickets in the Charlotte Edwards Cup and eight scalps in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy this time and hence will be put on test with the red-ball. Her ability to swing the ball is what makes her a stand-out player as she will be the one to lookout for.
Danielle Gibson missing out provided an opportunity for Danni Wyatt as she will make her maiden red-ball apearance after being named in the playing XI. Alice Capsey and Alice Davidson-Richards were released from the red-ball squad as they’re set to feature for England A in the T20 game against Australia A and hence, Wyatt finally managed to earn a place after a long wait.
England’s Playing XI for One-off Test: Tammy Beaumont, Emma Lamb, Heather Knight (c), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophia Dunkley, Danni Wyatt, Amy Jones, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell