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England unveil experienced women's Ashes squad for summer series

Charlotte Edwards: Hunting a hat-trick of Ashes triumphs
Image: Charlotte Edwards: Hunting a hat-trick of Ashes triumphs

England have revealed an experienced women's squad captained by Charlotte Edwards for the summer battle with Australia.

With the men's series between England and Australia starting on Wednesday, the women begin their fight for the urn with a one-day international at Taunton on July 21. 

Edwards will lead the side in the multi-format series, which features three ODIs, a Test and three Twenty20 matches with the team looking for a hat-trick of Ashes victories after winning 10-8 on points in Australia in 2014.

Between the 14 players, there are 807 ODI caps, with Edwards (185), Kent team-mate Lydia Greenway (121) and Nottinghamshire’s Jenny Gunn (125) all having represented England over a 100 times.

Vice-captain, Heather Knight (Berkshire), is also set to win her 50th ODI cap in the first match, while Sussex all-rounder Georgia Elwiss will return to international duty for the first time since the ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh last year.

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England captain Charlotte Edwards says the Women's Ashes series is the pinnacle for her side

Left-arm spinner Rebecca Grundy (Warwickshire) is the only player in England’s ODI squad who hasn’t been involved in a Women’s Ashes series.

The 35-year-old Edwards, who made her international debut in 1996, told Sky Sports News HQ: "I'm delighted for Georgia and Rebecca being a part of her first Ashes series.

More from Women's Ashes 2015

"It's a very experienced squad. Hopefully that will stand us in good stead over the next few weeks. Australia have had the best of us at World Cups, while we've been on top in the Ashes.

"We're up for a great contest and one we are all looking forward to and hopefully we can put on a  good show for everyone watching."

England celebrate their Ashes glory last year in Australia
Image: England celebrate their Ashes glory last year in Australia

After the Taunton opener, the players return to the Bristol County Ground for the second ODI on July 23, before the third and final 50-over match at Worcestershire’s New Road three days later.

The three ODIs are crucial as they will also form England and Australia’s third round of fixtures in the ICC Women’s Championship, which will determine qualification for the 2017 Women’s World Cup in England.

The 2015 series will be the third time the Women’s Ashes have been contested across all three formats of the game with two points available for a win in the ODIs and T20Is and four points for the winner of the Test match. Two points will be awarded to each side in the event of a drawn Test.

On selecting the squad, Clare Connor, ECB's head of women's cricket, said: "It was very difficult which is as it should be. The players left out will be feeling sore but I'm thrilled for Georgia Elwiss who's got her first call-up since last year.

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The Women's Ashes Series 2015 starts on 21st July, live on Sky Sports

"It's great that there have been strong performances from the academy players to get back in the squad."

With the recent announcement of a women's Super League, Connor is excited about the growth of female cricket.

She added: "Hopefully the league will be a huge step to make the competition for places even stronger. This competition will underpin it and we'll have the environment to produce more top players.

"We want to inspire the next generation and want England to put on a good show. The Ashes is a huge opportunity. It's the biggest cricket series there's ever been played in terms of profile, coverage and two professional sides. The stage is set for a very exciting summer."

Watch the women's Ashes series from July 21 on the dedicated Sky Sports Ashes channel

Full England squad:

Charlotte Edwards (captain, Kent)

Katherine Brunt(Yorkshire)

Kathryn Cross (Lancashire)

Georgia Elwiss (Sussex)

Lydia Greenway (Kent)

Rebecca Grundy (Warwickshire)

Jenny Gunn (Nottinghamshire)

Amy Jones (Warwickshire)

Heather Knight (vice-captain, Berkshire)

Laura Marsh (Kent)

Natalie Sciver (Surrey)

Anya Shrubsole (Somerset)

Sarah Taylor (Sussex)

Lauren Winfield (Yorkshire)

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