England's side for women's Ashes named

Sep 26, 2017 - 10:18 AM England have named 14 of their World Cup-winning squad for the forthcoming Women's Ashes, with teenage spinner Sophie Ecclestone the only addition.

The 18-year-old Lancashire left-armer, who played two one-day internationals and two Twenty20s in 2016, replaces Beth Langston in the 15-strong touring party.

The tour, which comprises three ODIs, the inaugural women's day/night Test in Sydney and three T20Is, gets under way next month with World Cup-winning skipper Heather Knight looking to regain the urn which was lost two years ago.

The inclusion of Ecclestone is the only change from the squad that triumphed in front of a sell-out crowd at Lord's on July 23. It will be the first time that Heather Knight has led her side into an Ashes series.

Knight's side were triumphant on home soil this summer, culminating in a nine-run victory over India at a sold-out Lord's. Seamer Anya Shrubsole was the star on the day, taking six for 46 in the final, and she is joined on the trip by the likes of Nat Sciver, Sarah Taylor and Tammy Beaumont, who each made indelible impressions on the tournament.

Coach Mark Robinson said: "It's a hugely exciting tour and one we are really looking forward to. Australia on their home soil will be a further test of the progress we have made.

"We said before the World Cup that the final at Lord's was never going to be our destination, it was just part of the journey, and that journey continues with this tour.

"Sophie Ecclestone has finished school now and has had a great summer domestically. Her selection will provide another option to our attack."

Captain Knight said: "Ashes tours don't come around all too often so it's always a special opportunity. Australia are going to be very strong opponents on their home soil so we'll have to be at our best, across all three formats."

England: Heather Knight (capt), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Eccleston, Georgia Elwiss, Jenny Gunn, Alex Hartley, Danielle Hazell, Laura Marsh, Anya Shrubsole, Nat Sciver, Sarah Taylor, Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield, Danni Wyatt.

Source: AAP