Players on the fringes of England’s T20 World Cup squad will get opportunities to stake their claims during the two white-ball series against Pakistan this month, says head coach Jon Lewis.
England play three T20s and three one-day internationals against Pakistan, with the first T20 at Edgbaston on 11 May being televised live on BBC Two and iPlayer.
Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith and all-rounder Freya Kemp keep their places in the T20 squad which beat New Zealand in March and April. However, Kemp will play only as a batter as England manage a long-standing back injury.
Opener Tammy Beaumont is only selected in the one-day squad, while Sophia Dunkley has been left out completely as she looks to rediscover some form in domestic cricket.
“These two series against Pakistan give us an opportunity to build, develop and ensure we are in the best place come the World Cup in Bangladesh in September,” said Lewis.
“We are very keen whenever possible to make sure all the players vying for places in the World Cup squad get opportunities to play cricket this summer so that they are able to put in performances that help secure a place in the squad for Bangladesh.”
Fast bowler Mahika Gaur, 18, is unavailable because of A-Levels but should return later in the summer, when New Zealand visit.
There will be Test Match Special commentary of every match of England’s summer – men and women – on BBC Sounds, plus live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website.