First international test for new England squad (30 July 1999)

30 July 1999

First international test for new England squad

ECB Media Release

The England Women's Cricket Development Squad play international opponents for the first time next week when they take on Holland U-23 and Ireland.

They play the touring Dutch in Sussex before travelling to Dublin to face three Irish sides keen to make amends for European Cup failure two weeks ago when they were beaten in the final by England A.

The Development Squad, captained by 18-year-old Gill Richards, 12th man for England in their recent Test against India, were formed earlier this year by Paul Farbrace, Senior England Coach and replace the U-17 side.

Their average age is just under 17 with Louise Haycock the youngest at 15. All 14 players are under 19-years-old.

The squad have played two games this season, trouncing British Universities in a one-day match in May but losing off the last ball in the second game against BUSA the following day.

Coach Charlotte Dickenson said: "These players are the next England players and have got to be able to produce the goods now and show they have what it takes both technically and mentally.

"The South of England side will include players from England senior squads and so will be quite tough, Holland U-23 will expect to win and the Irish sides will want to put the disappointment of failing to win the European Cup [won by England A two weeks ago in Denmark] behind them".

Dickenson, 31, from Shepperton, was appointed Development Squad Coach in February this year. She is from New Zealand but has lived in England for ten years.

All matches start at 11am. Entry is free.

For more information, contact Cath Harris, ECB Media Relations Officer, 0171 432 1272/ 0385 527090.

Thursday August 5 v Holland U-23, Streat and Westmeston CC, Sussex

Friday August 6 v ECB South XI, Glynde CC, Sussex

Tuesday August 10 v Ireland Development Squad, Dublin

Wednesday August 11 v Ireland Development Squad, Dublin

Thursday August 12 v Ireland U-19s, Dublin

Charlotte Dickenson (DoB: 11/1/68) is a New Zealander who was chosen for the Kiwi U-19 squad before moving to America and then England to work.

She is an off-spinner now playing for National Premier League side Shepperton in Surrey where she lives. She captained Shepperton for three years and is Surrey vice-captain. This season she is coaching Surrey U-15 and U-17 girls as well as the England Development Squad.

Charlotte is a hockey player and coach as well and played at Woking before joining Cheam. She now coaches Cheam and Surrey U-18 girls.

She was born in Wanganui and worked as a nanny in the US for the New Zealand Consul General for three years before coming to England when she was 21. She works as a special needs' assistant at Heathside School, Weybridge.