England Women Shift Training Camp to South Africa After Abu Dhabi Plans Cancelled

England Women will head to Pretoria for a training camp after their planned trip to Abu Dhabi was cancelled due to the ongoing conflict in the region. A 30-player group will take part in the camp, scheduled from March 10 to 27.

The squad will be split into two teams of 15 players each for a five-match intra-squad series as players push for selection ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year. The teams have been named Team Brittin and Team Heyhoe-Flint in tribute to England legends Jan Brittin and Rachael Heyhoe-Flint.

Leadership and Coaching Setup

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt will lead Team Brittin, while vice-captain Charlie Dean will captain Team Heyhoe-Flint during the intra-squad series. Jon Lewis will coach Team Brittin and Luke Williams will guide Team Heyhoe-Flint, while head coach Charlotte Edwards will work with both squads throughout the camp.

"This is a big opportunity for every player involved to put their hand up and demonstrate that they're an invaluable part of our World Cup plans," Edwards said. "It's the same chance for every player, whether they're new to the team or they've played 100 games. We want to use this series as a chance to stretch ourselves and put ourselves under pressure in competitive match situations."

Young Players and Season Ahead

Eight players in the squad are yet to make their senior debut, including 19-year-old Davina Perrin, who scored a 43-ball 101 for Northern Superchargers in last year's Hundred. Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Grace Scrivens, Alexa Stonehouse, Grace Potts, Jodi Grewcock, Ellie Threlkeld and Rhianna Southby are also part of the group, while Sarah Glenn misses out due to a fractured finger.

England Women are continuing preparations for a busy season, with the T20 World Cup scheduled from June 12 to July 5, along with upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand and India and a women’s Test against India at Lord’s.