Right-arm medium pacer Emily Arlott and young quick Lauren Bell have earned maiden Test call-ups in England's 13-member squad for the one-off red-ball clash against South Africa, starting June 27.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
England's multi-format home series against South Africa features a one-off Test, followed by three ODIs and as many T20Is. The one-off Test is worth four points while two points are up for grabs for each white-ball game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Following the retirements of England's pace veterans Anya Shrubsole (international cricket) and Katherine Brunt (Test cricket), England have handed maiden call-ups to Arlott and Bell.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Freya Davies, Alice Davidson-Richards and Emma Lamb, who all have represented England in white-ball formats, could also potentially be in line to make their first-ever Test appearance, against South Africa, while 20-year-old Issy Wong has been named as a travelling reserve.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The squad will be led by their regular skipper Heather Knight with Nat Sciver as her deputy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"There are a number of new faces in the squad which brings a real level of energy and enthusiasm," Engand head coach Lisa Keightley was quoted as saying by ICC. "We're at the beginning of a new ICC Women's Championship cycle, which starts for us with the India ODIs, and it's natural that we're looking forward with one eye on who may be a key player for us come 2025.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Similarly with Katherine Brunt retired from Test cricket and Anya Shrubsole from all forms of the international game, a number of bowling spots have opened up which is hugely exciting for those players. I'm sure they'll all be very keen to grab their opportunity.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We have to balance having the appropriate back-up for the senior squad while also giving playing opportunities. We need our players to play as much cricket as possible, which is why we have a deliberately small Test squad while the England Women's A team are in action against South Africa," added Keightley.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"It really is a massive summer, with the Commonwealth Games just around the corner, and we can't wait to get started with the red ball in Taunton."<\/p>\r\n\r\n