England Women call up Maia Bouchier and Charlie Dean to T20 squad for New Zealand series

England Women have called up Maia Bouchier and Charlie Dean to a 15-strong squad to take on New Zealand in three T20s next month.

New Zealand are touring for three T20s (in Chelmsford, Hove and Taunton), then five ODIs.

Batter Bouchier and all-rounder Dean receive their first international call-ups, with Fran Wilson dropping out of the T20 squad that beat India 2-1 earlier in the summer.

The pair both represent Southern Vipers in regional cricket, with Bouchier turning out for beaten finalists Southern Brave in the Hundred and Dean playing for London Spirit.

Dean, 20, played for an England A side against New Zealand in Derby on Monday, scoring 22 and taking one for 29 in 10 overs.

“We’re looking at more players than ever before, which is so exciting,” said coach Lisa Keightley.

“In the past selection meetings have by necessity been quite focused on the Centrally Contracted group, but the fact that so many other players are sticking their hand up and pushing for selection is testament to the progress the domestic structure is allowing the women’s game to make.

“We’re seeing improvements across the board, and there were a number of young English players who also shone in The Hundred, which bodes really well for the future.

“This is another big series for us, and I want the team to continue from where they left off in the series win over India.”

Squad: Heather Knight (Western Storm, C), Tammy Beaumont (Lightning), Maia Bouchier (Southern Vipers), Katherine Brunt (Northern Diamonds), Freya Davies (South East Stars), Charlie Dean (Southern Vipers), Sophia Dunkley (South East Stars), Sophie Ecclestone (Thunder), Tash Farrant (South East Stars), Sarah Glenn (Central Sparks), Amy Jones (Central Sparks), Nat Sciver (Northern Diamonds, VC), Anya Shrubsole (Western Storm), Mady Villiers (Sunrisers), Danni Wyatt (Southern Vipers)

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