by England have named four potential Ashes debutants in their squad for next month’s multi-format series in Australia.
Heather Knight’s side are bidding to win the Ashes for the first time in 10 years, with Australia remaining in a thrilling series draw in England in 2023.
All-rounder Freya Kemp and spinner Linsey Smith are both named in the T20 squad, with wicketkeeper Bess Heath included in the T20 and Test squads as the trio battle to make their Ashes debut.
Sailor Ryana MacDonald-Gay is also included in the Test squad after impressing on her debut during the recent tour of South Africa.
The Women’s Ashes begins on January 11 with three ODIs, followed by three T20s and a single Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 30.
England recovered from T20 World Cup disappointment to comfortably beat South Africa, losing just one ODI in the multi-format series.
Nat Sciver-Brunt is expected to be England’s key figure in their quest for the Ashes, after a superb year which culminated in her reaching the fastest century in the women’s Tests against South Africa, with only 96 balls.
Head coach Jon Lewis said: “We have named balanced squads for this Ashes series, with a good mix of youth and experience.
“Ashes series are always special. We want to go out there, play our way and are all excited about the challenges ahead.
