Niamh and Sophia named in England U19 squad

Niamh Holland and Sophia Smale have been named in the 15-player England Women U19 squad for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

It’s the first time the best U19 cricketers have come together from the women’s game to compete in an ICC Global Event. The tournament will be hosted by South Africa, and sees 16 countries competing from January 14 to January 29.

In addition to the 11 Full ICC Members, there are five Associates in the competition – Indonesia, Rwanda, Scotland, the UAE and the USA. England will be in Group B, alongside Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

Ellie Anderson (Central Sparks)

Hannah Baker (Central Sparks)

Josie Groves (Lightning)

Liberty Heap (Thunder)

Niamh Holland (Western Storm)

Ryana Macdonald-Gay (South East Stars)

Emma Marlow (Northern Diamonds)

Charis Pavely (Central Sparks)

Davina Perrin (Central Sparks)

Lizzie Scott (Northern Diamonds)

Grace Scrivens (Sunrisers)

Sophia Smale (Western Storm)

Seren Smale (Thunder)

Alexa Stonehouse (South East Stars)

Maddie Ward (Lightning)

Chris Guest, of Lightning, has been chosen as Head Coach following an open recruitment process. He will be assisted by Laura Marsh (Sunrisers) and Darren Franklin (Central Sparks).

Five non-travelling reserves have also been selected. The reserves won’t travel but will take a full part throughout the preparation phase and act as stand-by players should a replacement player be required: Emily Churms (Central Sparks), Charlotte Lambert (South East Stars), Bethan Miles (South East Stars), Jemima Spence (South East Stars), Mary Taylor (Southern Vipers).

Selection was chaired by Richard Bedbrook, Head of England Women Performance Pathways. Bedbrook said: “It’s hugely exciting to name this squad and to think ahead to the opportunity that awaits the players.

“They’re a tremendous group of young cricketers with great potential at the beginning of their journeys in the game. They’ll all benefit hugely from this experience – on and off the field. It’s important to compete at this age-group and it’s equally important to continue the process of learning what it takes to progress to the next level. I’m sure we’ll take a lot away from the tournament.

“We have the ambition for the next few months to be a significant life moment for all the players and ensure they use it as a springboard towards making an impact in senior regional cricket, and hopefully beyond in years to come.

“The ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup will provide an exciting platform for the best young players around the world, and it will be really exciting to see our players compete against their peers in a global event.”

Lisa Pagett, Western Storm Regional Director of Women’s Cricket, added: “We are absolutely delighted that Niamh and Sophia have been included in the squad. 2022 was a big year for both players and we have been extremely impressed by how they have both handled the transition from the Academy into the First XI environment.

“Both players are extremely talented, work really hard at their game and have huge amounts of potential and hopefully this will be the first of many occasions that they are recognised at international level.

“Western Storm pride ourselves on the strength of our Academy system and we will continue to work tirelessly across the whole region to ensure that the very best local talent is recognised and give the opportunity to flourish.”

England Women U19 World Cup Fixtures

Sunday January 15: England Women U19 v Zimbabwe Women U19, 1.45pm

Tuesday January 17: England Women U19 v Pakistan Women U19, 1.45pm

Thursday January 19: England Women U19 v Rwanda Women U19, 10am

Saturday January 21-Wednesday January 25: Super Six League (The top three teams from Group A versus the top three teams in Group D; Group B v Group C)

Friday January 27: ICC Women’s U19 World Cup Semi-Finals, 10am & 1.45pm

Sunday January 29: ICC Women’s U19 World Cup Final, 1.45pm