England announce squad for much-anticipated Women's Ashes in Australia

All-format captain Heather Knight features among the key members alongside the likes of Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Maia Bouchier, and Lauren Bell in England's squads for the multi-format series against Australia in January.

Ryana MacDonald-Gay headlines the Test squad for the one-off Test after an impressive debut against South Africa earlier this month. The 20-year-old seam bowler earns a place in the squad based on her character and potential, as noted by head coach Jon Lewis.

"Ryana's got real steel in her character. She seems really unflappable at times, and she's really logical in how she thinks about a cricket match. She is able to see a task and go and do it," said Lewis.

All-rounder Freya Kemp and left-arm spinner Linsey Smith have earned maiden call-ups for Women's Ashes as part of the T20I squad.

Wicketkeeper-batter Bess Heath also makes a return, included in both the Test and T20I squads after recovering from a thumb injury.

Maia Bouchier, who scored a century on Test debut in South Africa, has been named in all three squads.

ODI Squad:

Heather Knight (C), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

T20I Squad:

Heather Knight (C), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

Test Squad:

Heather Knight (C), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

Speaking on the squad that’s set to face-off against the reigning IWC champions, Lewis said, "We have named balanced squads for this Ashes series, with a good mix of youth and experience. Ashes series are always special. We want to go there, play our way, and are all excited about the challenges ahead.”

Women's Ashes 2025 Schedule:

1st ODI - January 11: North Sydney Oval, Sydney

2nd ODI - January 13: Junction Oval, Melbourne

3rd ODI - January 16: Bellerive Oval, Hobart

1st T20I - January 20: SCG, Sydney

2nd T20I - January 23: Manuka Oval, Canberra

3rd T20I - January 25: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

One-off Test - January 30 - February 2: MCG, Melbourne