Lauren Bell earns T20I call-up, Katherine Brunt rested as England announce 14-member squad for India series

England announced their T20I squad for the upcoming series against India, and Katherine Brunt is set to miss the series. The experienced pacer, who has been playing back-to-back cricket with the South Africa home series followed by the Commonwealth Games and The Hundred, has been rested for both the T20I and ODI series. In her place, The Hundred sensation Lauren Bell has received her maiden T20I call-up.

India is all set to tour England for a three-match T20I series starting September 10, which will be followed by as many ODIs. Prior to the Commonwealth Games, Bell, the 21-year-old pacer, received her maiden Test and ODI cap. She has been representing the Southern Brave at The Hundred and has emerged as one of their finest and most consistent bowlers.

Brunt was a part of the English side for the entire Commonwealth Games. England lost the Bronze Medal match against New Zealand before losing a game against India, which was their ticket to the finale. India defeated England in a thrilling encounter and became the first team to enter the finals of the first-ever CWG Women’s Cricket tournament.

Brunt was last seen playing for the Trent Rockets at The Hundred 2022, where the team made it till the Eliminator before losing the crucial fixture to Southern Brave. Earlier this summer, Brunt had announced her Test retirement and had said that she would continue to represent her country in the white-ball formats as well as play the domestic games.

We fully support the decision, it has been an intense year so far: Head Coach Lisa Keightley

Lisa Keightley, England's head coach, emphasized that her exclusion from the squad for the T20Is against India should not be interpreted as England dropping her.

“After discussions with Katherine, she felt the best thing for her was to rest across both the T20 and ODI series. We fully support that decision with a view to maximizing her mental and physical recovery off the back of what has been an intense year so far,” Keightley said.

Since regular skipper Heather Knight is still out due to her injury, Natalie Sciver will continue to lead the team in her absence. Keightley also revealed that the upcoming series against India will be her last as the head coach of the team. Keightley will be making her return to Australia after serving the women’s team in the role for two and a half years.

“That provides an opportunity for Lauren Bell, who was impressive in the Hundred, and with her, Alice Capsey, Freya Kemp and Issy Wong in the squad we're starting to see a group of exciting young players who have the chance to cement their place in the England team. I'm excited about finishing my time with this team with a really exciting series against India. They're a great side and we'll have to be at our best to win,” Keightley added.

England Squad for T20Is against India:

Nat Sciver (c), Danni Wyatt, Amy Jones (wk), Alice Capsey, Sarah Glenn, Kate Cross, Lauren Bell, Sophia Dunkley, Freya Davies, Freya Kemp, Bryony Smith, Maia Bouchier, Sophie Ecclestone, Issy Wong