Summer 2002 will witness many firsts for the England women's cricket team, beginning in Jersey on Wednesday 10th July when England take on India in the inaugural women's one-day international series. It will be the first time international cricket has been played on the island.

Current World Champions, New Zealand, will play India on 11th July and England take on New Zealand on 12th July. All matches will be played at Grainville Cricket Ground, Jersey and admission is free.

Gill McConway, ECB Director for Women's Cricket said: "We are delighted to be taking international women's cricket to Jersey and introducing the game to new audiences, and hopefully participants.

"If you're planning a holiday on Jersey then come and have a look at some great cricket. The ODI Series is a an opportunity for cricket lovers to see some of the best players in the world and also means that those not interested in cricket or not used to having it on their doorstep, can come and take a look for free."

In addition to the Jersey matches, an England Development XI will take on India in a warm-up match on the Isle of Wight on Sunday 7th July at Shanklin's Westhill Ground.

England Captain, Clare Connor, said: "We're looking forward to the summer and taking on India and New Zealand. We've worked really hard this winter with our coach John Harmer, and a new domestic competition in May and June means we will be better prepared than ever for the international matches.

"We are a young side with lots of talent, so hopefully people will be encouraged to come and watch us play. We had huge crowds when we toured India in January, so it would be great to have home support this time."

Mike Tait, Public Relations Manager, Jersey Tourist Board, said: "We're very proud to be hosting the England Women's Cricket Team, and it's an example of our ability to host international events on the Island. It's a first for Jersey and the triangular format is a first for women's cricket. We're looking forward to having all three teams in Jersey for the week."

The full international programme is as follows:

The inaugural Women's ODI Series

10 July		England v India		  St Saviours Ground, Jersey
11 July		India v New Zealand	  St Saviours Ground, Jersey
12 July		England v New Zealand	  St Saviours Ground, Jersey
16 July		New Zealand v England	  County Ground, Durham
17 July		India v New Zealand	  County Ground, Durham
19 July		England v India		  Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street
20 July		The Final		  Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street

England v India Test Match Series 

8-11 August	1st Test v India	  Shenley Cricket Ground, Hertfordshire
14-17 August	2nd Test v India	  County Ground, Taunton, Somerset

© ECB