Katherine Brunt rested for India series as Lauren Bell earns T20I call-up
Katherine Brunt is the notable omission from England's T20I series against India, with Lauren Bell set to make her debut in the format after being named in a 14-player squad for the three-match series, which gets underway at Chester-le-Street on September 10.
Bell, 21, made her Test and ODI debut against South Africa earlier this summer, and was the outstanding seamer in this year's Hundred, claiming 11 wickets at 16.00 - second only to her Southern Brave team-mate, the legspinner Amanda-Jade Wellington - including a best of 4 for 10 against Trent Rockets at the Ageas Bowl.
She comes into the squad in place of the 37-year-old Brunt, who has been rested from the series following a busy workload that includes her involvement in the Commonwealth Games and Trent Rockets' run to the Hundred eliminator.
Brunt retired from Test cricket prior to the South Africa Test this summer, and was visibly emotional after England's disappointing showing in the Commonwealth Games, in which they failed to win a medal after defeats to India and New Zealand in their final two matches.
However, head coach Lisa Keightley insisted that her absence from the India squad should not be taken as a sign that England are preparing to call time on her 18-year international career.
"After discussions with Katherine she felt the best thing for her was to rest across both the T20 and ODI series," Keightley said. "We fully support that decision with a view to maximising her mental and physical recovery off the back of what has been an intense year so far.
"That provides an opportunity for Lauren Bell, who was impressive in the Hundred, and with her, Alice Capsey, Freya Kemp and Issy Wong in the squad we're starting to see a group of exciting young players who have the chance to cement their place in the England team."
Heather Knight, England's captain, is also missing from the squad as she continues her recovery from last month's hip surgery, meaning that Nat Sciver will once again lead the side - despite having chosen to relinquish the captaincy of Trent Rockets during the Hundred to focus on her own game.
The visit of India, silver medallists in the Commonwealth Games, will be Keightley's last series in charge, after it was confirmed earlier this summer that she will be returning to Australia after two-and-a-half years in the role.
"I'm excited about finishing my time with this team with a really exciting series against India," Keightley said. "They're a great side and we'll have to be at our best to win."
T20I Series
Sept 10, 1st T20I, Chester-le-Street
Sept 13, 2nd T20I, Derby
Sept 15, 3rd T20I, Bristol
ODI series
Sept 18, 1st ODI, Hove
Sept 21, 2nd ODI, Canterbury
Sept 24, 3rd ODI, Lord's