Alice Capsey Left Out of England’s T20I Squad for South Africa Tour After World Cup Disappointment
The scrutiny on England’s fitness following the World Cup loss has been intense, with former player Alex Hartley questioning the team’s conditioning. However, head coach Jon Lewis refuted these claims, defending the team's physical preparation and fitness routines.
Following England’s unexpected early exit from last month's T20 World Cup, Alice Capsey, a promising young player who debuted in 2022, has been excluded from the T20I squad for their upcoming multi-format series in South Africa. Despite her potential, Capsey has been struggling with form, highlighted by her World Cup performance, where her highest score was just 19, followed by a challenging run in the Women’s Big Bash League.
Paige Scholfield, who debuted recently, and Lauren Filer have earned spots for the T20I series. Filer, not initially chosen for the World Cup due to playing conditions, has now been selected for all formats, while allrounder Dani Gibson is sidelined due to knee surgery. Additionally, Freya Kemp and Maia Bouchier may debut in the Test series, which will be South Africa's first Women’s Test since 2002.
Captain Heather Knight, who recently returned from a ligament injury, will lead the team across all formats. England’s performance in South Africa is viewed as a crucial chance for rebuilding after the World Cup setback. This tour, comprising T20Is, ODIs, and a Test, is also seen as valuable preparation for the Women’s Ashes in Australia in early 2025.
The players not involved in the Big Bash League have been training in Loughborough, with the T20I squad departing for South Africa on November 16, and the ODI and Test squads joining them later in November.
The scrutiny on England’s fitness following the World Cup loss has been intense, with former player Alex Hartley questioning the team’s conditioning. However, head coach Jon Lewis refuted these claims, defending the team's physical preparation and fitness routines. ECB Deputy Chair Clare Connor also weighed in, acknowledging the team’s struggles under pressure and pointing to the steep learning curve they are experiencing. Connor emphasized the importance of resilience and decision-making under pressure, which they hope to develop through upcoming tours and preparation for the Ashes.
England Women T20I Squad: Heather Knight (captain), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Paige Scholfield, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
England Women ODI Squad: Heather Knight (captain), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
England Women Test Squad: Heather Knight (captain), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
