SOUTHERN Vipers stars Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Charlie Dean, Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith, and Danni Wyatt are all included in England Women’s T20 World Cup squad.

The tournament will take place in the UAE, having been moved from Bangladesh, with England’s first match taking place on Saturday 5 October against the official hosts, Bangladesh.

Four of the six – Bell, Dean, Kemp, and Wyatt – all took part in England Women’s previous T20 World Cup campaign in South Africa, where they reached the semi-final, whilst the call-up marks Freya Kemp’s first in a World Cup Squad.

Jon Lewis, England Women's head coach, said: “Selecting teams and squads with this group of players has become incredibly tricky and tough.

"There are players who have been really unfortunate to miss out and they’ll be a big part of what we do with England Cricket in the future.

"I feel the 15 players selected give us a really well-balanced squad in terms of experience, youth and most importantly the skills to cope and excel in the conditions we feel we will be faced with in the UAE.”

In addition, Vipers stars Kemp and Georgia Adams have been named in England Women’s squads to tour Ireland next month.

All-rounder Kemp, who has 21 international caps to her name, is included in the ODI squad having made a return to bowling earlier this summer.

Southern Vipers captain Adams is named in an England squad for the first time, as she will tour for the IT20 leg starting on 7 September.

A stunning The Blaze bowling performance means Southern Vipers botched their first chance to confirm progression to the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy knockout stage

Marie Kelly’s 40 headlined a hard-working batting effort to reach 208 on a tough pitch to force runs on, with spinner Ava Lee taking a career-best four for 51 on her 19th birthday.

Fast bowlers Orla Prendergast claimed three for 38 and Kathryn Bryce took two for 18, but it was Kirstie Gordon (two for 26) and her fellow spinners that stopped Vipers from getting away – despite Emily Windsor’s grafting 41.

The Blaze remain fifth, but closed the gap to South East Stars to five points, while Vipers stay top and in prime position to reach the semi-finals.

Southern Vipers spinner Ava Lee said: “It is disappointing not to get the win. 208 looked like a gettable score, and we had trust in the batters to get that but it wasn’t meant to be today.

“Everyone bowled really well. The seamers bowled really tightly and even though my first few overs felt out of sync I came back nicely.

“It was turning and bouncing too, I wasn’t expecting it to. What a way to spend my birthday, I couldn’t have wanted anything more, plus the sun is out, so I’m really pleased.

“I’m sure we’ll come back, I’m not worried about not qualifying. We are still a good team and I back us to get at least one more win.”

Vipers visit Central Sparks on Friday, August 30, in the first of their final three Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy group stage matches.