LONDON — England Women have announced their 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Women's World Cup, with a notable omission headlining the selection. Seamer Kate Cross, a mainstay of the bowling attack, has been left out, while experienced batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge and leg-spinner Sarah Glenn make their return to the 50-over setup.
The squad, captained by Heather Knight, was unveiled by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) ahead of the global tournament, which begins in Bangladesh at the end of September. The decision to leave out Cross, 32, marks a significant shift in strategy for the defending champions, prioritizing recent form and specific pitch conditions in Dhaka over long-term experience.
National Selector, Fran Wilson, explained the difficult choice, stating: "It's been one of the hardest decisions we've had to make. Kate has been an incredible servant to English cricket, but we feel the balance of the squad and the conditions we're expecting in Bangladesh have led us in a different direction for this tournament. Her record speaks for itself, and she remains very much in our thoughts."
The Return of Wyatt-Hodge and Glenn
In contrast to Cross's omission, the recall of Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Sarah Glenn provides a major boost. Wyatt-Hodge, known for her explosive batting at the top of the order, returns to the ODI squad for the first time since March 2023, following a prolific domestic season and the birth of her first child. Her ability to take the powerplay on will be a key asset.
Sarah Glenn, meanwhile, reinforces the spin department. Her inclusion had been widely anticipated after she missed the recent tour of New Zealand due to a concussion. Her wicket-taking prowess in the middle overs and excellent economy rate make her a vital component for the slow, turning tracks anticipated in Dhaka.
Captain Heather Knight expressed her delight at their return: "It's fantastic to have both Dani and Sarah back with us. Dani brings that fearless intent we want at the top, and Sarah is a world-class spinner who can change a game. They add so much depth and experience to our group as we look to defend our title."
Analysing the Bowling Attack Reshuffle
Cross's absence signals a clear tactical move. While her consistency and ability to swing the new ball are undeniable, the selection panel appears to have favoured a specific combination for subcontinental conditions. The pace attack will now be led by the experienced Lauren Bell and the returning Nat Sciver-Brunt, who has managed her workload brilliantly across formats.
The spin department, however, is where England looks particularly formidable. The squad boasts a versatile array of slow bowlers, each offering a different challenge:
- Sophie Ecclestone: The world's number one ranked ODI bowler.
- Sarah Glenn: A leg-spinner with a proven record.
- Charlie Dean: An accurate off-spinner.
- Heather Knight: More than handy part-time off-spin.
This wealth of spin options suggests England plans to dominate the middle phases of the game, squeezing opposition batters and taking crucial wickets. All-rounders like Alice Capsey and Dani Gibson also provide additional bowling flexibility, allowing Knight to adapt to any match situation.
The Road to the World Cup
England's preparation will be thorough. The team is scheduled to play a multi-format series against Pakistan this summer, which includes three ODIs that will serve as crucial final tune-ups. Following that, the squad will travel to Bangladesh early to acclimatize to the heat and humidity and play several warm-up matches against other competing nations.
The tournament itself begins on September 28, with England placed in a group alongside hosts Bangladesh, India, South Africa, and two qualifiers. The top three teams from the group will progress to the Super Six stage, with the final scheduled for November 16 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.
Coach Jon Lewis emphasized the need for adaptability: "The conditions in Bangladesh will be a test for everyone. It's about who can adapt quickest, who can play smart cricket, and who holds their nerve in the big moments. We've selected a squad we believe is perfectly equipped for that challenge."
A Look at the Full Squad
The 15 players tasked with defending England's World Cup crown are:
- Heather Knight (c)
- Lauren Bell
- Maia Bouchier
- Alice Capsey
- Charlie Dean
- Sophie Ecclestone
- Dani Gibson
- Sarah Glenn
- Bess Heath
- Amy Jones
- Freya Kemp
- Nat Sciver-Brunt
- Sophia Dunkley
- Lauren Filer
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge
The selection represents a blend of proven world-beaters and exciting new talent. While the exclusion of Kate Cross is a tough and talking point, it underscores the selectors' firm belief that this is the best possible squad to navigate the unique challenges of a World Cup on the subcontinent.
The message from the camp is one of focused determination. As Heather Knight put it, "We know what it takes to win this trophy, and we're hungry to do it again. It's a new tournament, new conditions, but the same goal. We can't wait to get started." All eyes will now be on Bangladesh to see if this bold selection strategy will pay off.