England goes for youth against Aussies

English women's cricket selectors have given youth its head in choosing the squad to take on Australia here this summer.

Selectors today named a 12-woman squad with an average age of just 23, and have made no secret of the fact the forthcoming two-Test series and three one-dayers represent the early stages of a long range plan.

Coach Jane Powell spelled out that England's main priority in selecting the squad - which will be taken over by former Australia coach John Harmer after this series - was not necessarily the forthcoming clash.

"The aim now is to build a team capable of winning the next World Cup in 2005 in line with the ECB commitment that England be in the World's top two by 2007," she said.

"The time is right to give our youngsters a taste of competitive international cricket - and it doesn't get any better than facing the Australians".

England, coming off a disappointing fifth in the World Cup in New Zealand in December, has been dealt a severe blow by losing prolific 21-year-old batsman Charlotte Edwards for the summer due to a knee injury.

But there are exciting youngsters in 17-year-old off-spinner Laura Harper and 19-year-old England A captain and opening bat Arran Thompson, who both made their senior international debuts against South Africa last summer.

Despite the emphasis on youth, England has experience to draw on from veteran wicketkeeper Jane Cassar and 36-year-old pace bowler Clare Taylor, both of whom were members of the World Cup-winning side in 1993.

England and Australia commence their compact playing schedule with the first Test on June 24 in Hertfordshire, near London. The three one-dayers will then be played at Derbyshire, Northampton and Lord's, with the second Test to begin at Headingley, Leeds, on July 6.

The England squad, with caps (Tests and one-day) and ages, is: Clare Connor (Sussex, Capt) 53 caps, 24 years old; Clare Taylor (Yorks) 81, 36; Caroline Atkins (Sussex) 0, 20; Jane Cassar (Notts) 73, 28; Sarah Collyer (Lancs) 15, 20; Laura Harper (Somerset) 8, 17, Jackie Hawker (Somerset) 3, 20, Dawn Holden (Notts) 18, 20, Kate Lowe (Notts) 3, 25, Lucy Pearson (Staffs) 30, 29; Claire Taylor (Berks) 21, 25; Arran Thompson (Lancs) 12, 19.