By India Today Sports Desk: England's white-ball specialist Danni Wyatt is set to make her Test debut at Trent Bridge on June 22 in the only Test of the multi-format Women's Ashes series.
The 32-year-old will occupy the No.6 position in the batting order, aiming to inject power and aggression into England's middle-order in the five-day Test match. This decision comes as a surprise to many, as 18-year-old Alice Capsey was initially considered for the role but was released from the Test squad after an underwhelming performance in the warm-up game against Australia A.
Joining Wyatt in her maiden Test appearance is fast bowler Lauren Filer, who will be making her international debut as well. Filer secures a spot in the pace attack alongside Kate Cross and Lauren Bell, beating out Issy Wong for the position. All-rounder Dani Gibson, also uncapped, is another player who misses out on the final XI from England's squad.
England, led by Heather Knight, aim to break their winless streak against Australia since the final match of the 2019 Ashes and the entire 2022 Ashes series. The two teams have not faced each other since the 2022 World Cup final in New Zealand.
In the past 18 months, England have undergone significant changes, including a new coach in Jon Lewis, and have embraced a more aggressive and fearless approach to their game. On the other hand, Australia are yet to finalise their Test XI, with coach Shelley Nitschke indicating that a decision will be made on the match day.
Women's Ashes squads:
England XI: Tammy Beaumont, Emma Lamb, Heather Knight (c), Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Sophia Dunkley, Danni Wyatt, Amy Jones (wk), Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell.
Australia (from): Alyssa Healy (c), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham.