The England Women’s cricket team has bolstered their squad for the ongoing T20I series against South Africa by including wicketkeeper-batter Seren Smale and seamer Ryana MacDonald-Gay. The changes come after England’s commanding four-wicket victory in the first T20I and aim to address team dynamics ahead of the remaining matches.
The additions were prompted by an injury to Bess Heath, who has been ruled out for the rest of the series due to a thumb injury. In response, England called up Seren Smale, who will join the squad as a replacement. Smale made her senior international debut during England’s tour of Ireland in September 2024 and is expected to provide both batting and wicketkeeping depth.
Ryana MacDonald-Gay, another promising talent who debuted in the same Ireland series, has been brought into the T20I setup to strengthen the team’s bowling attack. Both players are set to join the team ahead of the second T20I in Benoni on Wednesday.
Heather Knight, England’s captain, expressed optimism about the squad’s updated composition:
“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 claimed a solid victory in the series opener, thanks to Nat Sciver-Brunt’s match-winning half-century. Sciver-Brunt’s form, alongside strong contributions from England’s bowling attack, helped secure the win and set the tone for the series.
England’s 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’s 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