Kira Chathli will lead England A in both the T20 and one-day series against India A later this month, completing a rapid rise for Surrey’s wicketkeeper-batter. The three-match T20 leg starts at Northampton on 20 June, followed by three 50-over games in Taunton from 28 June.
The 25-year-old replaces Grace Scrivens, who captained the side last summer, and becomes the third Surrey player in six years to hold the role. Chathli has already impressed as Surrey’s 50-over skipper this season, steering the county to five wins from eight in the opening block of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.
Head coach Jon Lewis, overseeing the trip alongside his England Women duties, welcomed the appointment. “The India series will be another test of where this very talented group of players is at,” Lewis said. “Earning selection for an A side is proof you’re on the right path, but the next challenge is scoring runs or taking wickets consistently in domestic cricket and pushing for senior selection.
“A series against another nation is always a positive thing and I’m sure we’ll learn a lot from it. I’m delighted for Kira, I’m sure she’ll look forward to leading the group and I know she’ll take a lot from it.”
Three full internationals – Jodi Grewcock, Ryana MacDonald-Gay and Charis Pavely – lend experience, while rising names such as Davina Perrin, Sophia Smale and Scrivens herself will view the games as a timely audition for a crowded senior middle order.
T20 squad
Kira Chathli (capt), Grace Ballinger, Jodi Grewcock, Emma Jones, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Ella McCaughan, Kalea Moore, Charis Pavely, Davina Perrin, Grace Potts, Grace Scrivens, Sophia Smale, Alexa Stonehouse.
50-over squad
Kira Chathli (capt), Grace Ballinger, Jodi Grewcock, Ella McCaughan, Flo Miller, Charis Pavely, Davina Perrin, Charley Phillips, Grace Potts, Grace Scrivens, Chloe Skelton, Sophia Smale, Alexa Stonehouse.
Fixtures
20 Jun – 1st T20, Northampton
23 Jun – 2nd T20, Northampton
25 Jun – 3rd T20, Chelmsford
28 Jun – 1st 50-over, Taunton
1 Jul – 2nd 50-over, Taunton
4 Jul – 3rd 50-over, Taunton
It is a compact tour, yet one that tends to reveal plenty about where England’s next cab off the rank really sits. With India likely to send a strong second-string side, opportunities to impress will not be in short supply.
