London
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the inclusion of wicketkeeper-batter Seren Smale and seamer Ryana MacDonald-Gay in England’s women’s squads for the ongoing South Africa tour. Smale has joined the T20I squad, replacing Bess Heath, who withdrew due to a fractured thumb. MacDonald-Gay will join the Test squad on Wednesday. Both players made their international debuts during England’s tour of Ireland in September.
In the opening T20I, England secured a four-wicket win against South Africa in East London. Chasing 143, Nat Sciver-Brunt played a crucial knock of 59 runs off 54 balls, supported by Amy Jones, who contributed 31 runs with a six and four boundaries. England reached the target with four balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The squad faced earlier challenges, including all-rounder Paige Scholfield’s absence due to an ankle injury. Alice Capsey was recalled on Monday to address minor injury concerns within the team.
The second T20I will be held in Benoni on Wednesday, followed by the final match in Centurion on November 30. The ODI series begins with a day-night match in Kimberley on December 4, with subsequent games in Durban on December 8 and Potchefstroom on December 11.
The tour concludes with a lone Test match in Bloemfontein, starting on December 15, marking an exciting series finale between England and South Africa.
