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England face selection dilemmas ahead of T20 World Cup

BBC Sport •
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England’s final warm‑up before the Women’s T20 World Cup arrives with a three‑match series against New Zealand, kicking off Wednesday evening. Coach Charlotte Edwards must trim a squad still nursing injuries while cementing a spin combination that could include the 18‑year‑old debutant Tilly Corteen‑Coleman or seasoned left‑arm bowler Linsey Smith. The selections will shape the balance of England’s XI for the June 12 opener.

Fitness doubts loom large. Captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt missed the ODI series with a minor calf tear and remains unavailable for the T20s, while spinner Sophie Ecclestone returns from a quad niggle after just four season games. All‑rounders Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson have rejoined the camp, but their form is untested. Pace spearhead Lauren Bell is the only clear frontline bowler if she stays fit.

With the group stage featuring West Indies, Sri Lanka, Scotland, Ireland and New Zealand, England can afford a single specialist pacer, yet a semi‑final against India or Australia may demand extra firepower. Young all‑rounder Alice Capsey, listed as backup wicket‑keeper, offers a batting option but lacks international keeping experience. England must lock in a balanced XI before the tournament begins.