Linsey Smith

Linsey Smith has trodden one of the more inspiring paths to a place in England colours, going six years between World Cup appearances and making her ODI debut at the age of 30.

A diminutive left-arm spinner plying a similar, yet unique, trade to the formidable Sophie Ecclestone, Smith fell out of favour with the national selectors during the English summer of 2019 after playing nine T20Is.

A fresh shot at an international career came in the form of a call-up for the winter tour of New Zealand in early 2024, where she took one wicket from two T20Is. But her 13 wickets at an average of 14.76 and economy rate of 4.92 with best figures of 3 for 9 in the subsequent Charlotte Edwards Cup earned her a place in England's squad for the T20 World Cup, originally with Bangladesh as the host nation in mind. She held her own when the tournament was moved to the UAE, taking three wickets on England's ill-fated campaign, including 2 for 11 against Bangladesh in Sharjah.

It was a five-wicket haul on ODI debut during England's home series against West Indies in mid-2025 that pointed to the possibility of more to come from a seasoned campaigner who was just getting started.