There is delight for five current Loughborough MCCU students following their selection for the England women's squad to defend the Ashes in Australia, starting in the New Year. Georgia Elwiss, Amy Jones, Natalie Sciver, Anya Shrubsole and Lauren Winfield have been named in both the Test and ODI squads for the tour.
After missing the recent tour of the West Indies due to injury, Shrubsole returns to the side hoping for a repeat in Oz of England's convincing 12-4 home series win this summer.
Collectively, the women's selection demonstrates why Loughborough MCCU is recognised as being the most successful Centre of Excellence for developing cricket talent.
Following her involvement in the home Ashes series, Lauren Winfield said:
"I'm absolutely delighted to be included in all three squads for the up and coming Ashes series. Playing in an Ashes series in Australia is the pinnacle for any cricketer. I feel prepared and extremely excited about the challenge ahead."
Loughborough’s head coach, Salliann Briggs said of the selection of the five Loughborough ladies:
“I’m thrilled for the five girls who have been selected for the Ashes tour. In my mind there is no bigger prize. The honour is well deserved and backs up the amount of hard work they have put in towards developing their game.
“I am particularly pleased for Anya and Georgia, who missed out on the tour to the West Indies through injury. It has been incredibly challenging for them, but they have remained patient and disciplined with their recovery process.
“I wish the all of them the best for the up and coming tour and I’m positive that they will all play in key role in fighting to retain the Ashes.”
The Test will be held from 10-14 January at the WACA ground in Perth, followed by the One Day Internationals and then the T20 final, which will be staged in Sydney on February 2.
Hannah Gordon
