England has named its squad for the Women’s Ashes series starting in January 2025 in Australia, with fast bowler Kate Cross returning after recovering from a back spasm. The series will feature three ODIs, three T20s, and a four-day Test match.
Key Highlights:
- Kate Cross Returns: After missing the one-off Test against South Africa due to injury, Cross will feature in both ODI and Test squads.
- Youth and Experience: Newcomers Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith, and Bess Heath are included in the Ashes squad for the first time, while seasoned players like Heather Knight (captain), Tammy Beaumont, and Nat Sciver-Brunt bring depth and experience.
- Danielle Gibson Back: The all-rounder, sidelined during the South Africa tour with a knee injury, returns to bolster the T20 squad.
- Ryana MacDonald-Gay: Retains her red-ball spot after an impressive Test debut against South Africa.
- Warm-up and Schedule: England begins with a warm-up match on January 9 against Governor General’s XI, followed by ODIs in Sydney, Melbourne, and Hobart, T20s in Sydney, Canberra, and Adelaide, and concludes with the Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground starting January 30.
Head coach Jon Lewis expressed confidence in the balanced squad, combining youth and experience, and highlighted the team’s excitement for the challenges ahead.
