England's development squad open their account as an international side tomorrow (August 5) when they take on Holland U-23 prior to their short tour to Dublin.

Gill Richards, 18, from Shifnal, Shropshire, captains the side just three weeks after being made 12th man for England's Test against India last month.

The squad is coached by New Zealander Charlotte Dickenson, from Shepperton, Surrey, who was appointed England U-17 coach in February. The U-17s have been replaced by the Development Squad and an England A side added to the international structure.

The average age of the Development Squad is just under 17 with Louise Haycock, from Milton Keynes, the youngest at 15. All 14 players are under 19-years-old.

The squad have played two games this season, trouncing British Universities in a one-day match in May but losing off the last ball in the second game against BUSA the following day.

Dickenson said: ``These players are the next England players and have got to be able to produce the goods now and show they have what it takes both technically and mentally.

All five matches are 50 overs. They start at 11am with entry free.

For more information contact:

Cath Harris, Media Relations Officer,
on 0171 432 1272/ 0385 527090.

England Development Squad: 

*Gill Richards         (West Midlands, from Shifnal, Shropshire) 
Caroline Atkins        (Sussex, from Bexhill-on-Sea)
Claire Atkinson        (Yorks, from Keighley)
Katie Berry            (Middlesex, from Poplar, London)
Sarah Clarke           (Surrey, from Upper Norwood)
Helen Garside          (Yorks, from Brighouse)
Clare Gough            (West Mids, from Wolverhampton)
Laura Harper           (West, from Truro)
Louise Haycock         (East Anglia, from Milton Keynes)
Hannah Macey*          (West Mids, from Wolverhampton)
Nicki Myers            (East Mids, from Nottingham)
Laura Spragg           (Yorks, from Keighley)
Arran Thompson         (Lancs, from Colne)
Alexia Walker          (Sussex, from Bexhill)

Itinerary

Thursday  August  5     v Holland U-23, Westmeston and Street CC, Sussex
Friday    August  6     v ECB South XI, Glynde CC, Sussex
Tuesday   August 10     v Ireland Development Squad, Dublin
Wednesday August 11     v Ireland Development Squad, Dublin
Thursday  August 12     v Ireland U-19s, Dublin