Lauren Bell earns maiden England Women IT20 call-up

England Women have announced a squad of 14 players for the Vitality IT20 series against India, which gets underway in Durham on Saturday September 10.

There are two changes from the group which participated in the Commonwealth Games. Heather Knight continues her recovery from a hip injury, and England’s leading IT20 wicket-taker Katherine Brunt will miss the series to prioritise her rest and recovery.

Brunt is replaced in the squad by Lauren Bell, who earns her first IT20 call-up.

Nat Sciver (Northern Diamonds, cap)

Lauren Bell (Southern Vipers)

Maia Bouchier (Southern Vipers)

Alice Capsey (South East Stars)

Kate Cross (Thunder)

Freya Davies (South East Stars)

Sophia Dunkley (South East Stars)

Sophie Ecclestone (Thunder)

Sarah Glenn (Central Sparks)

Amy Jones (Central Sparks)

Freya Kemp (Southern Vipers)

Bryony Smith (South East Stars)

Issy Wong (Central Sparks)

Danni Wyatt (Southern Vipers)

England Women Head Coach Lisa Keightley, who will be taking charge of her last series before returning home to Australia, said: "I'm excited about finishing my time with this team with a really exciting series against India. They're a great side and we'll have to be at our best to win.

"After discussions with Katherine she felt the best thing for her was to rest across both the T20 and ODI series. We fully support that decision with a view to maximising her mental and physical recovery off the back of what has been an intense year so far.

"That provides an opportunity for Lauren Bell, who was impressive in The Hundred, and with her, Alice Capsey, Freya Kemp and Issy Wong in the squad we're starting to see a group of exciting young players who have the chance to cement their place in the England team."

England Women v India Women

Vitality IT20 Series

Saturday September 10: 1st Vitality IT20. England v India (Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street, 7pm)

Tuesday September 13: 2nd Vitality IT20. England v India (The Incora County Ground, Derby, 6pm*)

Thursday September 15: 3rd Vitality IT20. England v India (The Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, 6.30pm)

Royal London Series

Sunday September 18: 1st match of the Royal London Series. England v India (The 1st Central County Ground, Hove, 11am)

Wednesday September 21: 2nd match of the Royal London Series. England v India (The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury, 1pm)

Saturday September 24: 3rd match of the Royal London Series. England v India (Lord's, 11am)

Notes To Editors

*Please note, the 2nd Vitality IT20 on Tuesday September 13 at Derby, which will be shown live on the BBC, will now begin at 6pm