England on Tuesday announced their squad for the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2023, which will be hosted by South Africa and sees 16 countries competing from January 14 to 29.
England will play group B games against Zimbabwe, Pakistan and Rwanda from January 15-19, with the top three teams, then qualifying for the Super Six stage.
The squad features two players who won the Hundred with Oval Invincibles this year -- Ryana MacDonald-Gay and Sophia Smale. Hannah Baker (Welsh Fire) and Grace Scrivens (London Spirit) also featured in the tournament.
The five non-traveling reserves have also been chosen in addition to the main squad. Although they won't be travelling, the reserves will participate fully in the preparation period and serve as backup players if necessary.
The chairman of England's women's pathways, Richard Bedbrook, presided over the selection committee.
"Choosing this team and anticipating the players' opportunity is incredibly thrilling. They are a fantastic group of young cricket players that have a lot of potential as they begin their careers. This experience will be extremely beneficial to them all, both on and off the field "Bedbrook stated.
"While competing in this age group is vital, it's equally crucial to keep learning what it takes to go to the next level. We will undoubtedly learn a lot from the competition.
"We have the objective for the next six months to be an important life moment for all the players and ensuring that they use it as a springboard into having an impact in senior regional cricket, and ideally beyond in years to come," the coach stated.
It will be quite thrilling to watch our youngsters fight against their peers in a worldwide event, he continued. "The ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup will provide an exciting platform for the greatest young players throughout the world," he said.
Additionally, Chris Guest of the Lightning has been named head coach after an open hiring procedure, according to the ECB. Laura Marsh and Darren Franklin will help him.
Ellie Anderson, Hannah Baker, Josie Groves, Liberty Heap, Niamh Holland, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Emma Marlow, Charis Pavely, Davina Perrin, Lizzie Scott, and Grace Scrivens are all members of the England team. Seren Smale, Alexa Stonehouse, Maddie Ward, and Sophia Smale.
Emily Churms, Charlotte Lambert, Bethan Miles, Jemima Spence, and Mary Taylor are non-traveling reserves.