England Women travel to South Africa knowing they have a point to prove.
Just over a month after their group-stage exit from the Women’s T20 World Cup, Heather Knight’s side are in South Africa for a multi-format series, which is followed by the Women’s Ashes in Australia in January.
The first of three T20s starts on Sunday, followed by three one-day internationals and then a four-day Test begins on 15 December.
It is a quick turnaround from the World Cup campaign but seamer Kate Cross, who is in the ODI and Test squads, feels that will benefit England.
“Years ago, if you were knocked out of a World Cup, you had to wait until your summer to play cricket again and prove yourself,” Cross told BBC’s No Balls podcast.
“But I feel like cricket has been back on our horizon so quickly after that, against the team who lost the final, so we know we’ve got a chance to measure ourselves against a really strong team in their own conditions and you’re back in the fight straight away.”
The fallout from the World Cup was possibly the harshest that an England women’s side has faced, a stark reminder of the increased scrutiny and expectation that comes with the privilege of being a professional athlete.
Knight and head coach Jon Lewis understandably defended their team, but acknowledged their need to improve in pressure moments.
Against South Africa, finalists of said World Cup, England have a chance to change these perceptions before entering the Ashes pressure cooker.
England Women return to Edgbaston in 2025 for a huge IT20 against India on Saturday 12 July. Early Bird tickets are on sale now, with over 6,000 already sold.
England Women IT20 squad
Heather Knight (captain)
Lauren Bell
Maia Bouchier
Charlie Dean
Sophia Dunkley
Sophie Ecclestone
Lauren Filer
Sarah Glenn
Bess Heath
Amy Jones
Freya Kemp
Paige Scholfield
Nat Sciver-Brunt
Linsey Smith
Danni Wyatt-Hodge
England Women ODI squad
Heather Knight (captain)
Tammy Beaumont
Lauren Bell
Maia Bouchier
Alice Capsey
Kate Cross
Charlie Dean
Sophia Dunkley
Sophie Ecclestone
Lauren Filer
Sarah Glenn
Amy Jones
Freya Kemp
Nat Sciver-Brunt
Danni Wyatt-Hodge
England Women Test squad
Heather Knight (captain)
Tammy Beaumont
Lauren Bell
Maia Bouchier
Kate Cross
Charlie Dean
Sophia Dunkley
Sophie Ecclestone
Lauren Filer
Amy Jones
Freya Kemp
Nat Sciver-Brunt
Danni Wyatt-Hodge
England Women tour to South Africa fixtures
IT20 series
Sunday, 24 November: South Africa vs England – East London
Wednesday, 27 November: South Africa vs England – Benoni
Saturday, 30 November: South Africa vs England – Centurion
ODI series
Wednesday, 4 December: South Africa vs England – Kimberley
Sunday, 8 December: South Africa vs England – Durban
Wednesday, 11 December: South Africa vs England – Potchefstroom
Test Match
15-18 December: South Africa v England – Bloemfontein
2025 Major Match tickets selling fast!
It’s going to be another blockbuster summer of Men’s and Women’s international cricket as India and West Indies return to Edgbaston, plus Vitality Blast Finals Day.
Over 100,000 tickets have already been sold and remaining tickets are now on general sale. Or upgrade your experience with VIP Experiences or Premium Tickets.
