The ECB Development XI to take on Pakistan Women in Leicester on Thursday (9 May) has been confirmed.
Northern Diamonds’ Hollie Armitage captains the group and the Diamonds’ keeper and power hitter Bess Heath has also been selected, while England Women Performance Pace Bowling Coach Chris Liddle will lead the team as head coach.
Heath is named alongside senior players Lauren Filer, Linsey Smith and Danielle Wyatt who have all been selected in England Women’s IT20 squad to face Pakistan, alongside regional contracted players to form a strong playing XI.
Pictured, Hollie Armitage during the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy clash between Northern Diamonds and Thunder this season.
The T20 warm-up fixture will act as important preparation for Pakistan ahead of their upcoming Vitality IT20 and Metro Bank ODI series’ against Heather Knight’s England Women and important match experience for those selected.
The match takes place at Uptonsteel County Ground, Leicestershire CCC on Thursday 9 May, with play starting at 11am.
England Women Head of Performance Pathways Richard Bedbrook said: “The ECB Development XI match opportunities provide us with real flexibility in an approach to selection.
“On this occasion, this T20 fixture is the only one of the summer against an International opposition outside of the various England Women bilateral series’ and therefore providing opportunities to a particularly strong playing XI is important as we continue to build with the bigger picture of the T20 World Cup in mind.”
Northern Diamonds’ Bess Heath hits out against Western Storm at Headingley this season.
ECB Development XI team
Hollie Armitage (C; Northern Diamonds)
Georgia Adams (Southern Vipers)
Sophia Dunkley (South East Stars)
Lauren Filer (Western Storm)
Bess Heath (Northern Diamonds)
Grace Potts (Central Sparks)
Bryony Smith (South East Stars)
Linsey Smith (Southern Vipers)
Mady Villiers (Sunrisers)
Issy Wong (Central Sparks)
Danielle Wyatt (Southern Vipers)
Entry is free for Leicestershire CCC members and supporters wishing to buy tickets can do so here and also from the ticket office at the Curzon Road entrance on matchday.
