The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has today announced the 18 players who have been selected for the England women's winter training squad, from which 14 will be selected to tour India in January 2002.

Four Yorkshire players have been selected, reflecting the county's dominance in domestic competition this year, with Kathryn Leng earning a recall following her historic debut with Leeds/Bradford men's UCCE side earlier this summer. The Yorkshire wicket keeper Sue Metcalfe is also recalled.

The two new additions are young bowlers, with leg spinner Sarah Clarke (Surrey) and Yorkshire off spinner, Helen Wardlaw, both making the squad with India in mind.

John Harmer, the England women's coach, said "This is a well balanced, competent squad which I expect to be competitive in India. We know we have a lot of hard work to do between now and the tour, and I'm looking forward to getting started."

The England women's squad will, again, benefit from lottery funding. The winter sport science and coaching programme will be supported through Sport England's World Class funding stream, in addition to Sport England's ongoing commitment of funding for individual elite players.

The 18 players are:

• Caroline Atkins (Sussex) Matches*: 3; Date of birth: 13.01.1981
• Jane Cassar (Notts) 77; 24.12.1972
• Sarah Clarke (Surrey) 0; 28.03.1982
• Sarah Collyer (Somerset) 19; 03.10.1980
• Clare Connor (Sussex) 58; 01.09.1976
• Laura Harper (Somerset) 11; 21.01.1984
• Dawn Holden (Notts) 23; 09.10.1980
• Kathryn Leng (Yorks) 42; 28.10.1973
• Hannah Lloyd (Somerset) 2; 25.08.1979
• Kate Lowe (Notts) 3; 02.08.1975
• Sue Metcalfe (Yorkshire) 46; 25.05.1965
• Laura Newton (Cheshire) 15; 27.11.1977
• Lucy Pearson (Staffs) 35; 19.02.1972
• Nicky Shaw (Notts) 15; 30.12.1981
• Clare Taylor (Yorks) 86; 22.05.1965
• Claire Taylor (Berks) 26; 25.09.1975
• Arran Thompson (Lancs) 12; 23.11.1981
• Helen Wardlaw (Yorks) 0; 11.10.1982

*includes full England Test and one-day caps

Eric Chapman, Chairman of Selectors admitted: "We have the chance to build on some of the performances this summer, and have introduced a few new players as well as welcoming back some more experienced players who have shown good form in the domestic competitions."

The England squad will travel to India on 25th January 2002 and play five one-day international matches and one test match across the country before returning on 20th February.

© ECB