England Announces Squad for T20 Series Against New Zealand, Hopes for Kemp’s Return as Bowler

England is optimistic that all-rounder Freya Kemp will be able to bowl in their upcoming T20 series against New Zealand. Head coach Jon Lewis has revealed a 16-player squad for the series.

Sophia Dunkley rejoins the squad, having shown impressive form at the regional level, in an otherwise unchanged lineup that secured a T20 series victory against Pakistan in May.

However, 18-year-old left-arm seamer Mahika Gaur is unavailable to play due to a minor side strain, though she will stay with the squad to continue her fitness recovery.

Kemp, who has been playing as a batter only for England and the Southern Vipers due to multiple stress fractures in her back, missed the 2023 T20 World Cup because of the injury. Although she bowled during England's tour of India in December 2023, she experienced a recurrence of the injury at the beginning of the year.

Head coach Jon Lewis expressed his enthusiasm for Kemp’s return as an all-rounder, stating that they hope to see her bowl during the series as she recovers from her injury. He emphasised the importance of the five-match series against New Zealand as crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

The T20 series is set to start in Southampton on July 6, following a three-match ODI series beginning on June 26. The final T20 at Lord's on July 17 will be broadcast live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, with commentary available on BBC Sounds. The T20 World Cup will take place in Bangladesh from October 3-20.

England Squad for New Zealand T20 Series

- Heather Knight (captain)

- Lauren Bell

- Maia Bouchier

- Alice Capsey

- Charlie Dean

- Sophia Dunkley

- Sophie Ecclestone

- Lauren Filer

- Danielle Gibson

- Sarah Glenn

- Bess Heath

- Amy Jones

- Freya Kemp

- Nat Sciver-Brunt

- Linsey Smith

- Danni Wyatt

England vs New Zealand T20 Schedule

- July 6: First T20 – The Ageas Bowl, Southampton

- July 9: Second T20 – The 1st Central County Ground, Hove

- July 11: Third T20 – The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence

- July 13: Fourth T20 – The Kia Oval, London

- July 17: Fifth T20 – Lord’s, London