Women’s Ashes 2023: Heather Knight leads England squad and includes Kate Cross after her recovery from illness

England Women have announced their squad for their first Ashes Test against Australia at Trent Bridge, with Kate Cross included after her recovery from illness. Lauren Filer and Danielle Gibson have been named in the squad for the first time, with the former impressing with her bowling displays for Western Storm in the last two seasons.

Ad Gibson has been particularly impressive in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, and is the joint-highest run scorer and leading wicket taker in the competition. CricketAustralia crush India to win World Test ChampionshipYESTERDAY AT 12:06 There are some seam-bowling options in the squad, with Alice Davidson-Richards and Nat Sciver-Brunt both included.

Cross, who has recovered from a parasite infection, is the most senior bowler. Sophie Ecclestone is the only spinner named, while pace bowler Issy Wing returns to the squad after missing the T20 World Cup in February.

Heather Knight’s side will play one Test against Australia, followed by three T20s and three one-day internationals. All the matches count towards the Ashes, with a Test worth four points, while the T20s and one-day internationals are worth two points each.