Worcestershire Women’s Rapids and Central Sparks spinner Sarah Glenn has been named in the England squad for the forthcoming tour of New Zealand.
Glenn and her Central Sparks team-mate, wicket-keeper-batter Amy Jones, are part of the 16 strong squad for the three IT20s and three ODIs against the White Ferns.
There is another Rapids connection with Sparks pace bowler Izzy Wong, 18, who had a successful loan spell with Worcestershire Women in 2018, joining the group as a development opportunity.
Glenn will be looking to add to her three ODI and 15 T20I appearances in a successful first 12 months with England (see separate story).
Wong was voted the Rapids Players’ Player Of The Year during her loan period from Warwickshire Women three years ago.
Head Coach of Central Sparks, Lloyd Tennant, said: “We’re delighted to see Amy Jones and Sarah Glenn be named in the squad and have the opportunity to represent England again.
“It’s also going to be a hugely valuable development opportunity for Issy Wong to train with the team and for them all to gain experience that will stand us in great stead for the domestic competition this summer.”
Central Sparks is formed of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire and is one of eight regional hubs developed by the ECB as part of a new structure for elite women’s domestic cricket.
Director of England Women’s Cricket, Jonathan Finch, said: “We’re hugely excited about getting over to New Zealand and maintaining our commitment to play international cricket despite these challenging times.
“We have a really important 24 months in front of us with two ICC Global Events, the Women’s Ashes and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Our ambition is to be successful across all these events and this tour is the first step towards achieving that.
“2020 has provided many challenges, but under the leadership of Lisa Keightley (Head Coach) and Heather Knight) (Captain) we have a group of players who are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”
England fly to New Zealand on January 24 ahead of fixtures across February and March. Upon arriving, the group will quarantine for 14 days in line with the guidelines set in place by the New Zealand government. During this time, testing protocols will be in place to allow the group to train.
England Women Squad
Heather Knight (Western Storm, cap)
Tammy Beaumont (Lightning)
Katherine Brunt (Northern Diamonds)
Kate Cross (Thunder)
Freya Davies (South East Stars)
Sophia Dunkley (South East Stars)
Sophie Ecclestone (Thunder)
Georgia Elwiss (Southern Vipers)
Tash Farrant (South East Stars)
Sarah Glenn (Worcestershire Rapids & Central Sparks)
Amy Jones (Central Sparks)
Nat Sciver (Northern Diamonds, vice cap)
Mady Villiers (Sunrisers)
Fran Wilson (Sunrisers)
Lauren Winfield-Hill (Northern Diamonds)
Danni Wyatt (Southern Vipers)
ODI Series
Tuesday February 23: 1st ODI, New Zealand v England (Hagley Oval, 3am GMT)
Friday February 26: 2nd ODI, New Zealand v England (University of Otago Oval, 12am GMT)
Sunday February 28: 3rd ODI, New Zealand v England (University of Otago Oval, 12am GMT)
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IT20 Series
Wednesday March 3: 1st IT20, New Zealand v England (Sky Stadium, 3am GMT)
Friday March 5: 2nd IT20, New Zealand v England (Eden Park, 3am GMT)
Sunday March 7: 3rd IT20, New Zealand v England (Bay Oval, 11pm GMT)
