SIX Southern Vipers stars have been called up to England Women’s IT20 squad to face New Zealand.
Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Charlie Dean, Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith, and Danni Wyatt have all been named in Jon Lewis' 16-player squad.
The opening match of the series takes place at Utilita Bowl on Saturday, July 6 with tickets over 95% sold out.
Further matches take place at the 1st Central County Ground (July 9), Canterbury (July 11), the Kia Oval (July 13), and Lord’s (July 17).
Kemp will be available as an all-rounder for the first time since England Women’s tour of India after she has undergone rehabilitation from injury over the winter and in the first half of the summer.
England Women’s head coach Lewis said: “This five-match series against a strong New Zealand side is really important for us and also vital preparation as we build towards the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.
“We are pleased to welcome Freya Kemp back as an all-rounder and we will hopefully see her bowl across this series as she returns from injury.”
All six Vipers are set to be available for Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day at Derby on Saturday, June 22 as the Vipers take on South East Stars in their semi-final at 2:30pm with the final set for 6:45pm.
Bouchier recently smashed her highest T20 score of 93 in Wednesday's victory against the Stars at the 1st Central County Ground.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here