North East Warriors player Lizzie Scott has been named in the England Women U19 squad for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Scott is amongst 15 players selected to represent England as the best U19 players from the women’s game come together for the first time to compete in an ICC Global Event.
The tournament will be hosted by South Africa, and sees 16 countries competing from January 14 to January 29.
Scott, who has been involved in the joint Northumberland and Durham (North East Warriors) sides since the teams were established in 2019, has been selected following an outstanding 2022 season.
The bowling all-rounder made her debut for the Northern Diamonds Senior squad in September, taking her first wicket against Western Storm, after two seasons with the Northern Diamonds Academy.
Scott made two more appearances in the last two Diamonds fixtures of the season, including at the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, when she took a wicket as her team went on to win its first major trophy in a thrilling finish at Lord’s.
Scott said: “Receiving the phone call that announced my selection for the World Cup was surreal. If you had told my 12 year-old self who lived and breathed for cricket, that in six years’ time she will be given the opportunity to represent her country in the U19 World Cup, I think she’d quite possibly melt into the ground. It’s still doesn’t feel real.
“This past cricket season has definitely been the most eventful of my life to say the least. Being a part of the Northern Diamonds team in the last few games of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy was a complete privilege, being surrounded by players I’ve admired for so long who all share such a special team morale.
“Now looking on towards the World Cup in January, I can’t wait to get to know all of the players within the squad and hopefully develop some new lifetime friendships. As a squad I have full faith that we will achieve everything we are capable of.”
Head of Female Talent Pathway at Durham Cricket Rachel Hopkins said: “I’m so delighted with the news of Lizzie’s selection into England Women’s U19 squad.
“Hard work spotlights the character of people, and Lizzie has certainly put that across over the last few years. This selection is a reward to Lizzie’s efforts and dedication within her North East Warriors programme and her latest selection into her successful campaign with the Northern Diamonds.
“I have no doubt that this will be a super experience and a great opportunity to showcase the fantastic skills that Lizzie has to offer.”
In addition to the 11 Full ICC Members, there are five Associates in the competition – Indonesia, Rwanda, Scotland, the UAE and the USA. England will be in Group B, alongside Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
Full Squad
Ellie Anderson (Central Sparks)
Hannah Baker (Central Sparks)
Josie Groves (Lightning)
Liberty Heap (Thunder)
Niamh Holland (Western Storm)
Ryana Macdonald-Gay (South East Stars)
Emma Marlow (Northern Diamonds)
Charis Pavely (Central Sparks)
Davina Perrin (Central Sparks)
Lizzie Scott (Northern Diamonds)
Grace Scrivens (Sunrisers)
Sophia Smale (Western Storm)
Seren Smale (Thunder)
Alexa Stonehouse (South East Stars)
Maddie Ward (Lightning)
Chris Guest, of Lightning, has been chosen as Head Coach following an open recruitment process. He will be assisted by Laura Marsh (Sunrisers) and Darren Franklin (Central Sparks).
Selection was chaired by Richard Bedbrook, Head of England Women Performance Pathways. Bedbrook said: “It’s hugely exciting to name this squad and to think ahead to the opportunity that awaits the players.
“They’re a tremendous group of young cricketers with great potential at the beginning of their journeys in the game. They’ll all benefit hugely from this experience – on and off the field. It’s important to compete at this age-group and it’s equally important to continue the process of learning what it takes to progress to the next level. I’m sure we’ll take a lot away from the tournament.
“We have the ambition for the next few months to be a significant life moment for all the players and ensure they use it as a springboard towards making an impact in senior regional cricket, and hopefully beyond in years to come.
“The ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup will provide an exciting platform for the best young players around the world and it will be really exciting to see our players compete against their peers in a global event.”