England Women’s Cricket Team Heads to South Africa for T20 World Cup Preparations

Date: March 6, 2026
As the countdown to the T20 World Cup continues, the England women’s cricket team is set to embark on a crucial training camp in South Africa. Due to the ongoing conflict in the Abu Dhabi region, plans for the original training tour have been adjusted, leading to an exciting opportunity for 30 players to make their cases for World Cup selection.

Intra-Squad Series in Pretoria

From March 10 to 27, two squads—Team Brittin and Team Heyhoe-Flint—will participate in a five-game intra-squad series in Pretoria. This initiative not only serves as a competitive platform but also honors England cricket legends Jan Brittin and Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, both of whom lifted the World Cup trophy on home soil.

Leadership and Coaching

• Team Brittin will be captained by Nat Sciver-Brunt, with coaching from former Durham batsman and current England Women assistant coach Jon Lewis.
• Team Heyhoe-Flint will be led by vice-captain Charlie Dean and coached by assistant coach Luke Williams.

Charlotte Edwards, the head coach of England Women, is enthusiastic and encouraged players to capitalize on this opportunity. “This is a prime chance for every player involved to assert their importance in our World Cup plans,” she stated. “We aim to stretch ourselves and thrive under competitive match conditions.”

Emerging Talent and Veteran Presence

The tour will welcome eight players yet to make their senior debuts for England. Among them, Davina Perrin, a promising 19-year-old opener, gained attention with a remarkable 101 runs off 43 balls for Northern Superchargers during the Eliminator last season.

Joining her is left-arm spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman, another standout from the England Under 19s, known for her impressive economy rate of 5.75 during the Women’s Hundred, claiming 11 wickets at an average of 14.81.

Veterans and key players such as Sarah Glenn have faced injuries, with Glenn sidelined due to a finger fracture sustained in training.

Preparation and Future Matches

This South African training camp marks England’s second in the country this year, following earlier skills-based trips to Oman and Stellenbosch. Edwards believes this focused training, with a more competitive edge, will greatly benefit the team’s preparations leading into the international season.

England Women are set to host New Zealand and India for white-ball series before the T20 World Cup, scheduled between June 12 and July 5, 2026. An additional highlight includes the first women’s Test at Lord’s against India.

Team Lineups

Team Heyhoe-Flint:
Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean (captain), Sophie Ecclestone, Mahika Gaur, Dani Gibson, Jodi Grewcock, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Grace Potts, Grace Scrivens, Alexa Stonehouse, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

Team Brittin:
Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley, Lauren Filer, Freya Kemp, Charis Pavely, Davina Perrin, Paige Scholfield, Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain), Linsey Smith, Rhianna Southby, Ellie Threlkeld, Mady Villiers, Issy Wong

As the England women’s team gears up for an exciting phase in their cricketing journey, the upcoming intra-squad series promises competitive action while allowing players to showcase their talent ahead of the high-stakes World Cup.