England Women have announced an almost identical squad for the home T20 World Cup starting on 12 June to the one that lost the Ashes 16-0 15 months ago, prompting criticism over a conservative selection policy. Head coach Charlotte Edwards defended the decision, insisting the side is different from the one bowled out for 90 in the Ashes T20 at Adelaide.
The squad includes the same core of players: Sophia Dunkley and Danni Wyatt-Hodge opening, Alice Capsey, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight in the middle order, and Amy Jones as wicketkeeper. Uncapped 18-year-old left-arm spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman is the only new face, while promising teenager Davina Perrin was overlooked due to a lack of versatility.
Edwards cited growing confidence in players like Dani Gibson and Freya Kemp, and noted that leading run-scorers in the intra-squad series in Pretoria were Dunkley, Capsey and Wyatt-Hodge. However, critics point out that three players—Knight, Sciver-Brunt and Wyatt-Hodge—have been in every World Cup since 2017 without winning a trophy.
The selection reinforces a perception that some players are undroppable regardless of results. Corteen-Coleman, who was bought for £105,000 in the Hundred auction, expressed delight at her call-up, saying she will be the best water girl she can be if not on the pitch.
