Kemp’s Ashes Prospects Intact Despite SA Tour Withdrawal

England captain Heather Knight remains optimistic about Freya Kemp's participation in the Women's Ashes, despite the 19-year-old all-rounder returning home early from the South Africa tour. Kemp's withdrawal was a precautionary measure to manage her recovery from past stress fractures in her back, rather than a reoccurrence of the injury. 

Kemp impressed during the T20I series against South Africa, taking two wickets and completing her overs in England's dominant nine-wicket victory in Centurion. However, her history with back injuries necessitated careful workload management, prompting her exclusion from the ODI and Test squads. 

Knight acknowledged the disappointment of losing Kemp but emphasised the importance of prioritising her long-term fitness. The captain expressed hope that Kemp would be ready for the Ashes in January, stressing the need to handle her recovery cautiously given the nature of stress fractures. 

England secured a 3-0 victory in the T20Is and can guarantee at least a share of the multi-format series with a win in the first ODI in Kimberley. The team is also preparing for the one-off Test starting December 15 in Bloemfontein. 

Looking ahead, Knight highlighted the significance of refining their 50-over strategies, with key players Tammy Beaumont and Kate Cross returning to bolster the squad. She expressed enthusiasm for the challenges of ODI cricket and emphasised the importance of focusing on South Africa’s performance rather than looking too far ahead to the Ashes.