England’s white-ball specialist Danni Wyatt will be making her long-awaited Test debut at Trent Bridge on June 22 in the only Test of the multi-format Women’s Ashes series. She will occupy the No.6 batting position, aiming to inject power and aggression into England’s middle-order in the five-day Test match. Wyatt’s inclusion comes as a surprise to many, as 18-year-old Alice Capsey was initially considered for the role.
Joining Wyatt in her maiden Test appearance is fast bowler Lauren Filer, who will also be making her international debut. Filer secures a spot in the pace attack alongside Kate Cross and Lauren Bell, beating out Issy Wong for the position. All-rounder Dani Gibson, also uncapped, is another player who misses out on the final eleven of England’s squad.
England, led by Heather Knight, aim to break their winless streak against Australia since the final match of the 2019 Ashes and the entire 2022 Ashes series. The two teams have not faced each other since the 2022 World Cup final in New Zealand.
In the past 18 months, England has undergone significant changes, including a new coach in Jon Lewis, and has embraced a more aggressive and fearless approach to their game. On the other hand, Australia is yet to finalize their Test XI, with coach Shelley Nitschke indicating that a decision will be made on the match day.
The Women’s Ashes series sees Australia and England face off across Tests, ODIs, and T20s, with points awarded for each match towards the overall trophy. England currently holds the Women’s Ashes trophy, having won the last series in 2019.
England XI: Tammy Beaumont, Emma Lamb, Heather Knight (c), Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Sophia Dunkley, Danni Wyatt, Amy Jones (wk), Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell.
Australia (from): Alyssa Healy (c), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham.
