The ICC Women’s World Cup 2024 is just a few days away, and the excitement is already starting to build up. This tournament was first played in 2009, where England emerged as the champions. That remains the only time the team won the event, and they will be eager to replicate their 2009 glory. The English women will be playing their first match against Bangladesh on 5th October.
For the Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, pitch conditions are likely to favour spin, given the traditionally dry surfaces. Let’s look at the possible playing XI for the team.
England women’s squad for T20 World Cup:
First, let’s see the squad: Heather Knight (Captain), Danni Wyatt, Sophia Dunkley, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, Amy Jones (wicketkeeper), Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Linsey Smith, Freya Kemp, Danielle Gibson, Bess Heath (wicketkeeper).
England’s Possible Playing XI:
Batters
England will be looking to field aggressive batters in the opening, with Danni Wyatt and Sophia Dunkley leading from the front. Wyatt is an aggressive top-order batter who has consistently performed in T20 cricket, while Dunkley has matured into a key player in England’s batting lineup, capable of building an innings and accelerating when needed.
Captain Heather Knight should come in at number 3. She is an experienced head in the middle order, capable of stabilising the innings when early wickets fall. As captain, she will guide the team through different phases. Maia Bouchier can slot into the middle order to add extra depth. She has played in 35 matches so far, scoring a total of 538 runs.
All-rounders
The addition of Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey will be crucial for the team. Sciver-Brunt is one of the best players in the squad. She’s a power hitter and thrives under pressure. Her medium-pace bowling could also be valuable on slow UAE pitches. On the other hand, young Alice Capsey’s aggressive batting style can push the scoring rate, especially against spinners in the middle overs. Her off-spin could also prove helpful.
Wicketkeeper
Amy Jones will be the first-choice wicketkeeper for the team. She will be important in the lower order and is capable of playing a finisher’s role. She has scored 563 runs in 30 matches at The Hundred.
Spinners
Sophie Ecclestone will lead the spin department. As one of the world’s best T20 spinners, she will be England’s trump card on UAE pitches, especially during the powerplay and middle overs. Her lower-order hitting ability adds depth to the lineup.
Leg-spinner Sarah Glenn will complement Ecclestone from the other end. Glenn has excellent wicket-taking skills in the middle overs.
Pacers
Freya Kemp and Lauren Bell will handle the fast-bowling department. Kemp’s left-arm pace brings variety to the attack, which is important in UAE conditions. Lauren Bell, a swing bowler, particularly with the new ball, is expected to deliver key breakthroughs in the powerplay.
Possible Playing XI for England in the Women’s T20 World Cup:
Heather Knight (Captain), Danni Wyatt, Sophia Dunkley, Maia Bouchier, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, Amy Jones (wicketkeeper), Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Freya Kemp and Lauren Bell.
