Knight set for World Cup return

Heather Knight is expected to be fit for the World Cup after being named in England's squad for the tournament starting next month.

Knight, the former England captain, hasn't played since injuring her hamstring during England's home series with West Indies in May but it's understood that her recovery is sufficiently on track to warrant her selection on Wednesday.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge also returns to strengthen the batting after being overlooked in the 50-over format throughout the English summer, having made her last ODI appearance during the ill-fated Ashes tour of Australia in January.

That means batter Maia Bouchier and allrounder Alice Davidson-Richards miss out, as does veteran seamer Kate Cross, with England opting for four spinners to play in India and Sri Lanka.

Sophie Ecclestone leads the spin contingent, which also includes fellow left-armer Linsey Smith and offspinner Charlie Dean, as well as legspinner Sarah Glenn, making her return after featuring in the West Indies series but missing out on the subsequent visit by India through June and July.

England's seam attack consists of Lauren Bell, Lauren Filer and Em Arlott, who made her international debut in May. Nat Sciver-Brunt is hopeful of returning to bowling in her allrounder role after a long-standing Achillies problem.

Head Coach Charlotte Edwards said the tournament posed a "huge challenge" but she believed her side was capable of competing "with anyone".

"Being selected to play for your country in a World Cup is one of the biggest honours in sport and I'm delighted for all the players named in the squad," Edwards said.

"Conditions mean we have gone for the extra spinner and we're lucky to be able to have such depth in this department, it's fantastic to welcome Sarah Glenn back. That does mean there's no room for Kate Cross, Maia Bouchier or Alice Davidson-Richards, which will be disappointing for them.

"It's also great to have Danni back in the squad, she's been in good form in domestic cricket and she'll bring dynamism and depth to our batting, alongside Heather, who we are absolutely delighted to be able to select. She'll be a huge asset for us."

The World Cup runs from September 30 to November 2 and will be the first ICC tournament in charge for Edwards and captain Sciver-Brunt.

England Women's squad: Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge