England Women have moved their upcoming training camp from the United Arab Emirates to South Africa because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The squad was scheduled to travel to the UAE earlier this week, but the trip was cancelled following rising tensions in the region after US-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks across the Middle East.
The camp is considered crucial preparation for England ahead of this summer’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The team has not played a competitive match since their semi-final defeat in the 50-over World Cup in October.
Instead of the UAE, England will now travel to Pretoria in South Africa, where two squads will take part in a five-match T20 series as part of the training programme.
Two Squads for Practice Series
England have divided the players into two teams for the series in South Africa. The matches will allow both experienced players and emerging talents to gain valuable match practice.
Team Heyhoe Flint will be led by England vice-captain Charlie Dean. The squad features several established names including Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight and Sophie Ecclestone. England assistant coach Luke Williams will guide the team.
Team Brittin will be captained by England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt, while former Durham batter Jon Lewis will take charge as coach.
England head coach Charlotte Edwards will oversee both teams during the tour.
The two-squad structure is expected to provide more opportunities for players to impress ahead of the global tournament later this year.
Chance for Young Players
The camp will also offer a platform for several uncapped players to push for a place in the national side.
Eight players without international caps have been included across the two squads. Among them are spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman, batters Davina Perrin, Jodi Grewcock and Grace Scrivens, and seamers Grace Potts and Alexa Stonehouse.
Wicketkeepers Rhianna Southby and Ellie Threlkeld are also part of the group hoping to make their mark during the tour.
Earlier this year, Edwards had urged younger players to challenge the senior members of the squad for places in the team.
Glenn Misses Tour
Leg-spinner Sarah Glenn will miss the camp after suffering a broken finger.
The training tour will run from 10 March to 27 March and follows earlier trips to Oman and South Africa this year.
Although the camp does not include official international fixtures, the internal T20 series is expected to give England much-needed game time as they build towards the T20 World Cup.
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