England Squad Debuts for Mahika Gaur and Bess Heath- ODI

Exciting Debut Opportunities for Mahika Gaur and Bess Heath in England Squad – ODI

Both fast bowler Mahika Gaur and wicketkeeper-bat Bess Heath have been named to the England T20I and ODI squads for the forthcoming home series against Sri Lanka.

England’s home Gaur, who is 17 years old, has participated in 19 T20 Internationals for UAE, the most recent of which occurred during the Women’s Asia Cup in Bangladesh last October. Earlier this year, she represented UAE at the inaugural women’s U-19 World Cup, staged in South Africa. The tall, slender pacer is currently competing in The Hundred 2023 for Manchester Originals.

Heath, age 21, was a member of the 2022 Northern Diamonds team that won the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, and he has appeared frequently in Northern Superchargers’ Twenty-three Hundred matches.

“Mahika (Gaur) is a very exciting talent,” head coach Jon Lewis said. “Left-arm swing bowlers of over six-foot tall are unique in women’s cricket. Mahika has shown consistently this summer that she is a threat with the new ball and we are excited to see how she performs at international level.

“Bess (Heath) is an all-action cricketer who impacts games and is a great fit for us and how we want to play. She impressed in the A team games against Australia earlier in the summer and she also provides cover for Amy Jones with the gloves.

“With a World Cup coming up next year it’s imperative we develop the squad and players can gain international caps and experience.”

Meanwhile, all-rounder Freya Kemp has been recalled to the shortest format after recovering from a stress fracture in her back, and seamer Lauren Filer has also been recalled to the T20I squad after an impressive debut for England against Australia in the one-off Ashes Test.

In order to manage their commitments, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Danielle Wyatt will leave out the T20Is and ODIs, respectively.