England Women’s Squad announced for ICC Women’s World Cup

Griffiths, who plays her cricket for Cheshire and was part of this summer’s academy squad, will provide replacement for Sarah Taylor if required. The 21 year-old replaces Lynsey Askew from the summer squad.

England are in a strong position to take the 2009 ICC Women’s World Cup having finished 2008 unbeaten in a series. They retained the Ashes in February and followed that with a 3-1 series win over New Zealand.

In July they beat the West Indies 1-0 at Loughborough, before smashing both South Africa and India 4-0 this summer in rain-affected series. They are currently unbeaten in 14 one-day internationals.

Captain Charlotte Edwards also won the 2008 coveted ICC Women’s Player of the Year Award.

On her inclusion Griffiths commented: “Playing for England has always been something I've dreamt of and it’s a great honour to be selected in the squad, especially for a World Cup.

“I’m out in Australia already playing cricket and training in Victoria for the winter in preparation for the tournament.

“I was so surprised to be included in the squad, but it’s a great opportunity and I’m really looking forward to touring with this set of players.”

Edwards added: “It’s such an exciting time for us as a squad with these two forthcoming global tournaments.

“We’ve got a great blend of youth and experience going to the ICC Women’s World Cup in Australia and we’ll be looking to continue our success of 2008.

“It won’t be easy, but we’re well prepared and know what we have to do to ensure we’re all performing at our optimum when we arrive in February.”

Lane finished: “All our focus this year has been on the World Cup and the ICC World Twenty20 – everything we have done over the past twelve months has been for these two global tournaments.

“It will be a tough but exciting competition as the standard of women’s cricket is continually improving and there are four or five teams who on their day could all become World Champions.”

Squad: