England re-route to Pretoria for Women’s World Cup prep amid conflict in Middle East

Nat Sciver-Brunt of England speaks to Laura Wolvaardt of South Africa at the coin toss.

The England Women’s squad will continue preparations for a home T20 World Cup later this year in Pretoria, after the ongoing conflict in the Middle East required them to change their initial destination of Abu Dhabi.

England selectors have named two 15-player squads for a five-game intra-squad series in South Africa between 10 to 27 March as players look to state their cases for World Cup selection.

The global showpiece starts on 12 June.

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The trip was initially destined for Abu Dhabi, but the political situation in the region, which began last Saturday when Israel and the United States initiated attacks on Iran, has necessitated the sourcing of Pretoria as a new destination, the England and Wales Cricket Board said.

The two teams will be named after Jan Brittin and Rachael Heyhoe Flint, two legends of English cricket who both lifted a World Cup trophy on home soil.

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt will lead Team Brittin, with vice-captain Charlie Dean taking charge of Team Heyhoe Flint.

Jon JJ Lewis will coach Team Brittin and Luke Williams will coach Team Heyhoe Flint, with England head coach Charlotte Edwards working across both squads.

“This is a big opportunity for every player involved to put their hand up and demonstrate that they’re an invaluable part of our World Cup plans,” Edwards said.

“It’s the same chance for every player, whether they’re new to the team or they’ve played 100 games. We want to use this series as a chance to stretch ourselves and put ourselves under pressure in competitive match situations.

“We’ve had two training camps this year, in Oman and Stellenbosch, which focused on skills. Adding a more competitive element is our next step and I’m really pleased with how the group is coming along ahead of a massive summer.”