Overseas players add sparkle to Super 4s

It's hardly going to cause an outcry about the influx of foreigners into an English competition, but the Super 4s tournament will contain overseas players for the first time.

Two Australian internationals with play in the four-team competition which aims to strengthen England women by providing elite practice. Alex Blackwell hopes to shine for the Rubies, while Leah Poulton will add dazzle to the Sapphires.

"All our players are excited about what they will bring to the competition," said Clare Connor, head of England women's cricket, noting that both have international centuries to their names. "With some of our England players regularly playing in Australia during our winters, this is also an important initiative in terms of fostering strong relations with Cricket Australia."

Blackwell will also play for Berkshire, while Poulton will represent Nottinghamshire in the county competition.

Sapphires Alexia Walker (capt), Rosalie Birch, Kathryn Brunt, Katie Cross, Kathryn Doherty, Lauren Griffiths, Jenny Halstead, Danielle Hazell, Rochelle Petty, Leah Poulton, Dawn Prestidge, Laura Spragg, Claire Taylor.

Diamonds Charlotte Edwards (capt), Lynsey Askew, Karen Baker, Sarah Bartlett, Tamsin Beaumont, Georgia Elwiss, Lydia Greenway, Izzy Westbury, Charlotte Horton, Beth Morgan, Ebony Rainford-Brent, Charlie Russell, Anna Stevenson.

Emeralds Nicky Shaw (capt), Salliann Briggs, Kelly Evenson, Daisy Gardner, Jenny Gunn, Laura Joyce, Hannah Lloyd, Laura Marsh, Nicky Myers, Sarah Taylor, Jasmine Titmus, Jo Watts, Beth Wild, Danielle Wyatt.

Rubies Gill Richards (capt), Caroline Atkins, Alex Blackwell, Hannah Burr, Holly Colvin, Steph Davies, Isa Guha, Natalie Lane, Sophie Le Marchand, Kate Oakenfold, Anya Shrubsole, Amanda Potgieter, Becky Williams.