England Women – Training Camp in South Africa Replaces Cancelled Abu Dhabi Tour
England Women – England Women’s cricket team will hold an extensive training camp in South Africa after plans for a preparatory tour of Abu Dhabi were abandoned because of ongoing security concerns in the Middle East. The revised schedule is expected to help the squad continue its preparations ahead of a busy international season and the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Training Camp Planned in Pretoria
Around 30 players have been selected for the camp, which will take place in Pretoria. During the training program, the players will be divided into two groups and will compete in a five-match intra-squad series scheduled from March 10 to March 27.
The two sides have been named Team Brittin and Team Heyhoe-Flint, paying tribute to former England cricket legends Jan Brittin and Rachael Heyhoe-Flint. Both players were part of historic moments in England women’s cricket and lifted the Women’s World Cup on home soil.
Leadership Roles Within the Squads
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt will lead Team Brittin during the camp. The side will be guided by England Women assistant coach Jon Lewis.
Meanwhile, vice-captain Charlie Dean has been appointed captain of Team Heyhoe-Flint. This team will work under assistant coach Luke Williams. The coaching staff hopes the internal competition will give players valuable match practice and help maintain a high performance level across the squad.
Head coach Charlotte Edwards will oversee both squads throughout the training period and will monitor player performances closely.
Opportunity Ahead of T20 World Cup
According to Edwards, the upcoming intra-squad matches will be an important chance for players to demonstrate their form and readiness ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which England will host later this year.
The series is expected to help selectors assess both experienced players and emerging talents as they shape the final squad for the global tournament.
Several young players have been included in the extended group, reflecting the team management’s focus on developing the next generation of England cricketers.
Young Talent Included in Training Group
Eight members of the camp squad are yet to make their senior international debut for England. Among them is 19-year-old opening batter Davina Perrin, who attracted attention last year after scoring a rapid century off just 43 balls for Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.
Another promising inclusion is left-arm spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman. She impressed in the same tournament with an economy rate of 5.75 and claimed 11 wickets, highlighting her ability to control the game with the ball.
Former England Under-19 captain Grace Scrivens has also been named in the group, along with Alexa Stonehouse, Grace Potts and Jodi Grewcock. Lancashire captain Ellie Threlkeld and wicketkeeper-batter Rhianna Southby have been selected as well.
Injury Forces Sarah Glenn Out
Leg-spinner Sarah Glenn will not take part in the training camp after suffering a finger fracture during a training session in February. The injury has ruled her out of the upcoming preparations, though the team management will continue to monitor her recovery.
Continued Preparation for Busy Season
The Pretoria camp marks England’s second visit to South Africa this year. Earlier in the season, the team completed skills-based training trips in Oman in January and in Stellenbosch last month.
Edwards explained that the Pretoria program has been designed to introduce a more competitive environment for players as they prepare for upcoming international assignments.
England will host New Zealand and India in white-ball series before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup begins on June 12 and runs until July 5.
Later in the season, England Women are also scheduled to face India in a historic women’s Test match at Lord’s, a fixture expected to draw significant attention in the cricket calendar.