England Women head to Shenley

England Women’s Cricket Team who recently powered to victory over Australia when they retained the Ashes down under, will play South Africa in two NatWest Women’s one-day internationals at Shenley Cricket Centre on August 11 and 14 2008.

Charlotte Edwards, England’s esteemed captain who hails from neighboroughing Cambridgeshire, will lead the side as they attempt to continue their winning form which includes series wins against New Zealand ad the West Indies. They also recorded a series draw against the number one team, Australia.

“We’re so excited about this summer. Playing South Africa and India is going to present a huge challenge as it’s lots of games in quick succession for us. But it will be fantastic preparation for next year which sees us compete in the ICC Women’s World Cup and the ICC Women’s World Twenty20.

“We’re travelling to some amazing grounds this summer, which makes us feel really privileged. It’s great that we can take women’s cricket right across the country and helps us generate more interest and raise the profile of the sport.”

This series signifies the start of a hectic schedule for England as they embark on 12 months of almost non-stop cricket. Following the series against South Africa they take on India in five one-day internationals and one Twenty20. The ICC Women’s World Cup follows shortly afterwards in Australia in March and that’s swiftly followed by the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 tournament in England in June 2009. The semi-finals and final of that competition will be held on the same day at the same venue and the same ticket as the men’s equivalent matches.

These two matches provide perfect preparation for a side tipped for success in the coming months.

Squad: