England select three Hampshire cricketers for T20 World Cup

Lauren Bell, Freya Kemp and Linsey Smith will take to the field as part of the 15-strong team announced for the tournament.

The T20 World Cup kicks off on Friday, June 12 at Edgbaston, with the first game at the Utilita Bowl in Hampshire - rebranded as the Hampshire Bowl for the competition - on Saturday, June 13.

Lauren Bell, Freya Kemp and Linsey Smith have been named in England's squad for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. (Image: Hampshire Cricket/Dave Vokes)

Charlotte Edwards, head coach of England Women, said: "The waiting and wondering is over, we have named our ICC Women’s T20 World Cup squad and there is no doubt that it has been incredibly tough to get to these 15 names.

"This is the hardest set of selection meetings I have been a part of because the pool of players to choose from is so strong and so many talented players have put their hand up to be a part of the squad, which is exactly what we want.

"That is the nature of world-class sport, and it is a privilege we don’t take lightly to be able to make these difficult decisions."

All three Hampshire players were part of England’s squad at the previous T20 World Cup in the UAE, where England exited in the group stage.

Pace bowler Bell and left-arm spinner Smith also featured in the 50-over World Cup in India, where the team reached the semi-final.

Edwards said: "An ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on home soil is a special moment for the game in this country, and we are all really motivated by what could be ahead for this group of players and what they can achieve this summer."

The trio have also impressed in domestic cricket, helping Hampshire remain unbeaten in the Metro Bank Women’s One-Day Cup.

Bell recently claimed her first five-wicket haul for the club, taking 5-22 against Durham.

The next fixture for Hampshire is against Surrey at the Utilita Bowl, with tickets available from £10.

The ground will host six matches during the T20 World Cup, including two double-header dates on Tuesday, June 16 and Saturday, June 20.

England will face Ireland at the venue, while reigning champions New Zealand will play three matches there - against West Indies, Sri Lanka and Ireland.

Former Hawk Ellyse Perry will also feature at the ground when Australia take on The Netherlands.

Tickets for T20 World Cup matches at the Utilita Bowl start at £15 for adults and £5 for juniors.