Gibson gets maiden Women’s Ashes T20I call-up

In the upcoming Ashes series against Australia, England have called up all-rounder Daniella Gibson for the first time in T20I history. The Western Storm’s Gibson was part of England’s travelling reserves for the T20 World Cup earlier this year and was also selected for the recent Ashes Test.

Issy Wong was also brought by England after she missed the bus for the World Cup in February. Although she was snubbed for the World Cup, the fast bowler picked 15 wickets for Mumbai Indians in the inaugural Women’s Premier League season. Only Meg Lanning and national side teammate Nat Sciver-Brunt (16 each) picked more. In recent matches, Wong also played for the English Women’s A team against Australia A.

“Danielle Gibson is selected for the first time in our IT20 squad, she is in great form at regional level and has the potential to impact the game whenever she is called upon,” head coach Jon Lewis said. “Issy Wong returns to the T20 squad after her success in the Women’s Premier League with Mumbai Indians, it will be exciting to see how she has progressed and grown from those experiences.”

As part of this year’s showpiece event, Heather Knight’s side reached the semi-finals with the help of regulars Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Freya Davies, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn and Lauren Winfield-Hill.

After the Test match that finished on June 26, the women’s Ashes series will next move to the shortest format with the first T20I on July 1 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The next two games will take place on July 5 and 8 at the Oval and Lord’s in London. Both games are worth two points.