In a surprising move, England has dropped young batter Alice Capsey from their T20 and Test squads for the upcoming multi-format tour of South Africa. The decision comes just weeks after England’s disappointing group-stage exit at the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Capsey, who has been struggling for form in recent T20 internationals, has not scored more than 25 runs in her last five matches. Notably, she was run out for just one run in England’s disheartening six-wicket loss to the West Indies on October 15th, a defeat that ultimately eliminated them from the World Cup. Despite the setback, Capsey has retained her place in the ODI squad.
Stepping into Capsey’s T20 shoes is Paige Scholfield, who made her senior international debut in the September bilateral series against Ireland. Scholfield’s inclusion is a testament to her recent performances and offers an exciting opportunity for the rising star.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Danielle Gibson will miss the tour due to a left-knee injury sustained during the West Indies match. Freya Kemp and batter Maia Bouchier are both in contention to earn their first Test caps, adding further excitement to the upcoming series.
The England squad will be captained by Heather Knight across all three formats. Players who are not currently participating in the early stages of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season in Australia, including Capsey, who is playing for the Melbourne Renegades, have been training in Loughborough.
England’s tour of South Africa is scheduled to begin on November 24th and will run until December 18th. The tour features three T20s, three ODIs, and a single four-day Test match. The T20 squad will depart for South Africa on November 16th, while the ODI and Test squads will follow on November 27th. The four-day Test match in Bloemfontein will mark the first Women’s Test held in South Africa since 2002.
The tour will be a crucial test for England as they look to rebuild after their World Cup disappointment. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, the team will be determined to make a strong statement in South Africa. Fans can catch all the action live on Sky Sports Cricket.
