Cricket Enthusiast’s Update: Freya Kemp Set to Return as Allrounder, Mahika Gaur Ruled Out Due to Injury
Sophia Dunkley has been recalled to England’s T20I squad, just a week after earning an ODI return for the upcoming series against New Zealand. Freya Kemp, the 19-year-old left-arm seamer, is set to feature as an allrounder as she continues her recovery from a back injury.
England’s 16-strong squad for the five-match T20 series remains largely unchanged from the one that defeated Pakistan 3-0 last month. However, Mahika Gaur, the 18-year-old fast bowler, has been left out due to a side strain. She was expected to join the squad after completing her A-Levels.
“This five-match series against a strong New Zealand side is really important for us and also vital preparation as we build towards the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh,” said England’s head coach, Jon Lewis. “We are pleased to welcome Freya Kemp back as an allrounder and we will hopefully see her bowl across this series as she returns from injury.”
Kemp, who made her international debut against South Africa during the English summer of 2022 and impressed against India a few months later, returned home early from England’s tour of the Caribbean in December 2022 with a back stress fracture. She has since played as a batter only for England A and the national team, including in the recent Pakistan series.
Dunkley, who lost her place during England’s tour of New Zealand earlier this year, has been recalled to the squad after impressing at the regional level. She is the leading run-scorer in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and has also performed well in the Charlotte Edwards Cup T20 competition.
The England Women’s squad for the T20I series against New Zealand is as follows:
- Heather Knight (capt)
- Lauren Bell
- Maia Bouchier
- Alice Capsey
- Charlie Dean
- Sophia Dunkley
- Sophie Ecclestone
- Lauren Filer
- Danielle Gibson
- Sarah Glenn
- Bess Heath
- Amy Jones
- Freya Kemp
- Nat Sciver-Brunt
- Linsey Smith
- Danielle Wyatt
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