England Women's World Cup Squad Leave for New Zealand

(Press Conference at ECB Offices, Lord's Cricket Ground 10-10.30am today)

The England Women's Cricket Team flies to New Zealand today ahead of the CricInfo World Cup, starting on 29 November. England has won two of the six previous tournaments, most recently in 1993.

England will play three one-day warm up matches against hosts New Zealand, on Sunday 19, Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 November. The CricInfo World Cup starts on 29 November, with the opening match pitching the hosts against current holders Australia. England begin their campaign against The Netherlands at 10am on Thursday 30 November at the BIL Oval, Christchurch. Following thirty matches over 24 days, the CricInfo World Cup final will be held on Saturday 23 December.

Coach Paul Farbrace said "We had a good win against South Africa this summer and our preparation for this tournament could not have been better. We've benefited from Sport England lottery funding enabling first class coaching in all areas as well as expert advice from sports psychologists, physiologists and dieticians."

England Captain Clare Connor, playing in her second World Cup, said "It's a fantastic honour to lead England, especially in a World Cup. We just can't wait to get there and start playing good cricket. Team morale is high and we all feel really positive"

For further information please contact Andrea Wiggins
ECB Media Relations Officer, 020 7432 1272
Email: andrea.wiggins@ecb.co.uk
Mobile: 07785 527090

The Squad:

Player         No. 1 day Internationals*  Date of birth
Clare Connor (Sussex) Captain      37     01.09.1976
Melissa Reynard (Yorks) Vice-Capt. 41     14.03.1972
Jane Cassar (Notts)                 2     24.12.1972
Sarah Collyer (Cheshire)            7     03.10.1980
Barbara Daniels (Staffs)           45     17.12.1964
Charlotte Edwards (Kent)            1     17.12.1979
Laura Harper (Somerset)             1     21.01.1984
Dawn Holden (Notts)                10     09.10.1980
Kathryn Leng (Yorks)               42     28.10.1973
Lucy Pearson (Staffs)              16     19.02.1972
Nicki Shaw (Notts)                  7     30.12.1981
Claire Taylor (Berks)              14     25.09.1975
Clare Taylor (Yorks)                2     22.05.1965
Arran Thompson (Lancs)              4     23.11.1981


*includes full England international caps only