England Women Strengthen Squad with Seren Smale and Ryana MacDonald-Gay for T20I Series Against South Africa

The England Women cricket team has announced the addition of wicketkeeper-batter Seren Smale and seamer Ryana MacDonald-Gay to their squad for the remaining matches of the three-match T20 International (T20I) series against South Africa Women. This strategic move comes following England’s decisive victory in the opening fixture of the series.

After securing a four-wicket win in the first T20I, bolstered by Nat Sciver-Brunt’s impressive half-century, the England Women are keen to maintain their momentum as they prepare for the second match in Benoni on Wednesday. However, the squad faces a setback with Bess Heath sidelined due to a thumb injury. In response, the team has called up Seren Smale to fill the wicketkeeper-batter role for the remaining two games.

Seren Smale, who made her senior international debut earlier this year during England’s tour of Ireland in September, will join the T20I camp on Tuesday. Her inclusion aims to strengthen the team’s depth and versatility behind the stumps and with the bat.

In addition to Smale, Ryana MacDonald-Gay has been incorporated into the Test squad. MacDonald-Gay, who also debuted in September during the Ireland tour, will join the team on the same day as the second T20I. Her experience as a seamer is expected to add valuable options to England’s bowling attack as they look to dominate the series.

Heather Knight, the team captain, expressed confidence in the updated squad: “I’m pleased with the additions of Seren and Ryana. Both have shown great potential and can contribute significantly to our efforts in the remaining matches. Our team is strong, and with the right adjustments, we are well-positioned to continue our success against South Africa.”

England Women Updated T20I Squad: Heather Knight (c), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Paige Scholfield, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Seren Smale, Ryana MacDonald-Gay.

South Africa T20I Squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Sune Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon, Faye Tunnicliffe.