In what promises to be a thrilling build-up to next year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, England have named a strong 14-member squad for their upcoming five-match T20I home series against India, commencing on June 28. While the initial squad list reflects continuity and depth, a few notable changes have set the stage for intriguing battles in the lead-up to the global event.

Sophie Ecclestone makes her comeback

England’s premier spinner Sophie Ecclestone headlines the squad’s returnees after taking a brief break from cricket earlier this month. The 25-year-old missed the recently concluded white-ball series against the West Indies, but her return will be a big boost for the hosts as they prepare to lock horns with one of the most competitive sides in women’s cricket.

Her comeback, however, comes at the cost of leg-spinner Sarah Glenn, who has been left out of the squad. With a wealth of spinning talent available, England have opted to rotate their resources, with head coach Charlotte Edwards acknowledging the challenge of fitting everyone into the playing XI.

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Heather Knight sidelined; Lauren Filer gets another opportunity

Former England captain Heather Knight will not be a part of the T20I series due to a hamstring injury she picked up during the West Indies series. In her absence, Lauren Filer has been called in to fill the gap, adding pace to England’s bowling attack.

Despite the absence of Knight and Glenn, the core group that featured in the T20Is against West Indies has been retained, ensuring a sense of consistency and balance in the squad. With the leadership duties continuing with Nat Sciver-Brunt, the team boasts a mix of experience and youthful exuberance.

England squad for India T20Is: Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Paige Scholfield, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Issy Wong

Also READ: Nat Sciver-Brunt eye World Cup glory after ODI series whitewash over West Indies

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.