England name two T20 squads for New Zealand tour

The quartet have been given permission to complete the Women's Premier League (WPL) season in March before arriving.

Lauren Bell and captain Heather Knight have withdrawn from the WPL and are available for the entire period. series.

England women's director of cricket Jonathan Finch says WPL players have their “full support”.

The WPL, organized in India, takes place from February 23 to March 17, with the final not scheduled only over two days. before the start of the first T20 in Dunedin, New Zealand.

WPL rules prohibit mid-tournament substitutions, meaning the decision to withdraw or not must be taken by the players before the start of the tournament. season opens February 23.

"The short window of just one or two days between the end of the WPL and the first T20 of the New Zeeland meant we had to balance the challenges of managing long-term workload for players, enabling participation in the WPL and ensuring clarity for the group of players preparing for the top three T20,” Finch said.

He added: "Lauren Bell and Heather Knight have withdrawn from the WPL to ensure they can be available to all. T20 Games in New Zealand.

"They withdrew after learning that the WPL regulations did not allow replacements. mid-tournament, not wanting their respective WPL teams to be disadvantaged by their early departure."

L England head coach Jon Lewis, who also coaches UP Warriorz in the WPL, has made arrangements so he can focus on the T20 tour.

He will leave the WPL early to lead the team's preparations in New Zealand, Finch said.

Northern Diamonds captain Hollie Armitage could make her senior T20 international debut after being named in the initial squad.

Left arm spinner Linsey Smith, who has not played for England since 2019, has also been recalled.

T20 squad for the first three matches

Hollie Armitage (Northern Diamonds), Tammy Beaumont (The Blaze), Lauren Bell (Southern Vipers), Maia Bouchier (Southern Vipers), Charlie Dean (Southern Vipers), Sophia Dunkley (Southeast Stars), Lauren Filer (Western Storm), Danielle Gibson (Western Storm), Sarah Glenn (The Blaze ), Bess Heath (Northern Diamonds), Amy Jones (Central Sparks), Heather Knight (captain; Western Storm), Linsey Smith (Southern Vipers)

T20 squad for fourth and fifth matches

Tammy Beaumont (The Blaze), Lauren Bell (Southern Vipers), Maia Bouchier (Southern Vipers), Alice Capsey (South East Stars), Charlie Dean (Southern Vipers), Sophia Dunkley (South East Stars), Sophie Ecclestone (Thunder), Lauren Filer (Western Storm), Danielle Gibson (Western Storm), Sarah Glenn (The Blaze), Bess Heath (Northern Diamonds), Amy Jones (Central Sparks), Heather Knight (captain; Western Storm), Nat Sciver-Brunt (The Blaze), Danielle Wyatt (Southern Vipers)

ODI team