Heather Knight and Anya Shrubsole lead England into Pakistan series
Monday 20 June 2016 13:02, UK
Heather Knight will begin “a new chapter” for England against a Pakistan side which cannot be underestimated, says head coach Mark Robinson.
Live Women's International One-Day Cricket
Knight becomes the 21st captain of the England women's team on Monday, when they meet Pakistan at Leicestershire's Grace Road, in the first of three one-day internationals, live on Sky Sports.
Somerset seamer Anya Shrubsole - who will play alongside Knight at Western Storm in the inaugural Kia SuperLeague this summer - is the new vice-captain.
The Pakistan series also sees Middlesex left-arm spinner Alex Hartley earn a call-up after stepping up from the England Women's Academy for the first time after a string of eye-catching performances in Sri Lanka at the start of the year.
"Monday is going to be a very proud day for our new captain and vice-captain, Heather Knight and Anya Shrubsole," Robinson said.
"Under their leadership, we will start a new chapter for the England women's team, beginning with the three-match Royal London ODI series against a Pakistan side that cannot be underestimated.
"Pakistan showed everyone during the ICC World Twenty20 how dangerous they can be, when they beat the hosts India on their own patch. They represent a fresh challenge that as a squad we can't wait to get out there and tackle.
"Congratulations to Alex Hartley on earning her first call-up to an England squad," Robinson said. "Alex has worked incredibly hard at her game over the last 12-18 months, and I have been very impressed with her skill as a left-arm spinner in the time that I have been working with her."
Fran Wilson, who last played ODI cricket six years ago, is recalled to the senior England squad.
In the absence of Sarah Taylor, Warwickshire and Loughborough Lightning's Amy Jones will look to seize her opportunity behind the stumps, with Lauren Winfield also offering a second keeping option.
England women's squad for the third Royal London ODI against Pakistan in Taunton on Monday 27th June, will be named following the second match in Worcester.
England women's squad for first two ODIs versus Pakistan: H Knight (c), A Shrubsole (vc), T Beaumont, K Brunt, K Cross, G Elwiss, J Gunn, A Hartley, D Hazell, A Jones (wkt), L Marsh, N Sciver, F Wilson, L Winfield, D Wyatt.
