England Women's Cricket Performance Pathway Squads Announced for Winter Season Stay updated with the latest developments in England women's cricket as the team unveils their performance pathway squads for the upcoming winter season. This strategic announcement highlights the commitment to nurturing talent and fostering the next generation of elite female cricketers.
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In a notable development for cricket fans, the England Women’s cricket team has announced its Performance Programme and the U19 Training Squad for the upcoming winter. This initiative represents a crucial effort to nurture young talent and enhance the skills of current players, laying the groundwork for future successes on the international stage.
Overview of the selected squads
The Performance Programme includes a total of thirteen players, while the U19 squad features twenty players. This initiative aims to establish a solid framework for player development, ensuring that each athlete has the opportunity to refine their skills and potentially earn a spot on the national team.
Key players in the performance programme
Notable names in the performance programme include Kira Chathli and Tilly Corteen-Coleman, both representing Surrey. Chathli, a skilled wicketkeeper-batter, had an impressive season, highlighted by a top score of 95 against Hampshire in the Vitality County Cup.
Overall, she accumulated 220 runs, with a high score of 69 and a striking strike rate of 150.68.
Meanwhile, Corteen-Coleman has emerged as a significant contributor with her left-arm orthodox bowling. She made her mark during the inaugural year of the Three Feathers competition, where she claimed eight wickets in the Vitality Blast.
Additionally, Alexa Stonehouse, currently on loan to Warwickshire, has a strong foundation. She participated in last season’s Pace Programme, designed to develop pace bowlers not on the central contract list.
U19 training squad highlights
The U19 training squad is a key part of this announcement, showcasing talents like Gen Jeer from Surrey. Jeer has demonstrated remarkable performance in the previous season. The squad will participate in eight training camps at the National Cricket Performance Centre during the winter months, leading up to a tri-series scheduled for March and April 2026. This series will feature competitions against teams from Australia and Sri Lanka.
Coaching and development structure
The Performance Programme will be led by a team of seasoned coaches: Jon Lewis for batting, Gareth Breese for spin bowling, Matt Mason for pace bowling, and Nick Wilton for wicketkeeping and fielding. Their combined expertise is aimed at providing personalized support to players, fostering individual growth and skill development.
Richard Bedbrook, Head of Performance Pathways for England Women, highlighted the Programme’s goals. “We aim to create development opportunities across various skill sets, building on the success of the Pace Programme from last winter,” he stated. This initiative is designed to help players consistently demonstrate their abilities in domestic competitions, increasing their chances for future selection to represent England.
Future prospects and opportunities
Players involved in the Performance Programme are set to engage in three overseas training camps scheduled for January, February, and March of 2026. These camps offer invaluable exposure and learning experiences that will enhance their cricketing careers.
As preparations for the upcoming tri-series advance, the final selection for the England Women U19 touring party will be confirmed in the New Year. This development promises an exciting future for these aspiring cricketers. The commitment and effort shown by players in both the Performance Programme and the U19 squad illustrate ongoing initiatives to create a robust pathway for women in cricket.
