RAINFORD cricketer Ellie Threlkeld will travel to Australia next month as part of the England Women's A squad.

The 12-strong group will accompany the senior Women's Ashes squad throughout the tour and selectors have said there is scope for members of the England Women's A squad to be called into the Ashes squad while in Australia.

The 23-year-old wicketkeeper, who is a former Rainford High School student, plays for Lancashire, North West Thunder and Manchester Originals.

Ellie, from Windle, began playing cricket aged eight at Rainford Cricket Club and after playing in all the age group teams, progressed quickly to the 3rd and 2nd XIs before breaking into the 1st XI in 2017.

 

England Women's Ashes Squad:

Heather Knight (Western Storm, captain)

Tammy Beaumont (Lightning)

Maia Bouchier (Southern Vipers)

Katherine Brunt (Northern Diamonds)

Kate Cross (Thunder)

Freya Davies (South East Stars)

Charlie Dean (Southern Vipers)

Sophia Dunkley (South East Stars)

Sophie Ecclestone (Thunder)

Tash Farrant (South East Stars)

Sarah Glenn (Central Sparks)

Amy Jones (Central Sparks)

Nat Sciver (Northern Diamonds, vice-captain)

Anya Shrubsole (Western Storm)

Mady Villiers (Sunrisers)

Lauren Winfield-Hill (Northern Diamonds)

Danni Wyatt (Southern Vipers)

England Women's A Squad

Emily Arlott (Central Sparks)

Lauren Bell (Southern Vipers)

Alice Capsey (South East Stars)

Alice Davidson-Richards (South East Stars)

Georgia Elwiss (Southern Vipers)

Kirstie Gordon (Lightning)

Eve Jones (Central Sparks)

Beth Langston (Northern Diamonds)

Emma Lamb (Thunder)

Bryony Smith (South East Stars)

Ellie Threlkeld (Thunder)

Issy Wong (Central Sparks)

Head Coach Lisa Keightley said: "It's always exciting to head to Australia to take on the challenge of winning the Ashes and we're really looking forward to going out there and making some memories as a team.

"This is the first time we've taken an England Women's A squad alongside the senior team, which is a big step forward for us. It gives us great depth, and provides so much competition for places. It's also an invaluable development opportunity for those players pushing for senior selection.

"Similarly, it's also a good chance to get more 50-over cricket under our belts ahead of our defence of the ICC Women's World Cup in New Zealand.

"We've got a nice blend of experienced pros and youngsters, and it's a trip we've been preparing for since the end of our summer. A multi-format series is a great test of all our skills, and we can't wait to get out there."

England Women A will take on Australia A in 50-over and 20-over fixtures, while also playing the senior England Women's team in a number of internal warm-up fixtures.

Women's Ashes Fixtures

Thursday January 27-30: Only Test Match, Canberra, 12am GMT (4 points)

Friday February 4: 1st IT20, Sydney, 9.10am (2 points)

Sunday February 6: 2nd IT20, Sydney, 9.10am (2 points)

Thursday February 10: 3rd IT20, Adelaide, 9.10am (2 points)

Sunday February 13: 1st ODI, Adelaide, 12.05am (2 points)

Wednesday February 16: 2nd ODI, Melbourne, 12.05am (2 points)

Saturday February 19: 3rd ODI, Melbourne, 12.05am (2 points)

England Women's A Fixtures

Wednesday January 26: 1st T20, England Women A v Australia A

Friday January 28: 2nd T20, England Women A v Australia A

Sunday January 30: 3rd T20, England Women A v Australia A

Saturday February 5: 1st 50-over match, England Women A v Australia A

Wednesday February 9: 2nd 50-over match, England Women A v Australia A

Friday February 11: 3rd 50-over match, England Women A v Australia A

Warm-Up Fixtures

Monday January 17-19: Three-Day Warm-Up, England Women's XI v England Women A

Saturday January 22-23: Two-Day Warm-Up, England Women's XI v England Women A

Wednesday February 2: Governor General's XI v England, Sydney