The England women’s cricket team has shifted its T20 World Cup preparatory camp to South Africa after having to cancel plans to travel to Abu Dhabi due to security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
About 30 players will now gather in Pretoria for the camp. They will be split into two squads of 15 for a five-match intra-squad series running from March 10 to 27.
The teams have been named after two England cricket legends, Jan Brittin and Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, both of whom were part of World Cup-winning sides at home.
Nat Sciver-Brunt will captain Team Brittin, with former Durham batter and England Women assistant coach Jon Lewis as head coach. Vice-captain Charlie Dean will lead Team Heyhoe-Flint, guided by assistant coach Luke Williams.
England to pick their T20 World Cup 2026 squad from this camp
Head coach Charlotte Edwards will oversee both squads and urged the players to use the series to make a case for World Cup selection.
"This is a big opportunity for every player involved to put their hand up and demonstrate that they're an invaluable part of our World Cup plans," Edwards said.
"It's the same chance for every player, whether they're new to the team or they've played 100 games. We want to use this series as a chance to stretch ourselves and put ourselves under pressure in competitive match situations.
"We've had two training camps this year, in Oman and Stellenbosch, which focused on skills. Adding a more competitive element is our next step and I'm really pleased with how the group is coming along ahead of a massive summer."
This will be England’s second training camp in South Africa this year, following earlier skill-focused camps in Oman and Stellenbosch.
England to face New Zealand and India before T20 World Cup
England are set to host New Zealand and India in white-ball series before the T20 World Cup, scheduled from June 12 to July 5. They will also play a historic women’s Test against India at Lord’s.