Fast bowler Nicky Shaw has been called into the England squad, which tours Australia and New Zealand in January and February.

She has replaced Sue Redfern who failed fitness tests at the weekend.

Shaw, 18 next month, will be the youngest player in the England touring squad. Club and county team-mate Dawn Holden, is 15 months older.

The youngster, from Earl Shilton, Leicestershire, was told of her inclusion on Sunday night. “I had to ring her again yesterday because she was too excited to speak,” coach Paul Farbrace said.

“Neither Australia nor New Zealand have not seen her and don’t know anything about her. Nicky is the quickest bowler we have and if we get her charging in and letting it go she could be a handful.

“She has worked very hard on her fitness and I was hoping to save her for the South Africa tour next summer or the 2000 World Cup but she has got into the squad early.

“We haven’t written Sue Redfern off and will be doing everything we can to get her ready for next year. We want her back in the squad.”

Shaw said: “I was very excited when Paul rang and couldn’t concentrate on what he was saying after he told me. I couldn’t speak because I was shaking too much.”

Shaw helped England A win the European Cup earlier this year and represented England U-17s in 1998. She opens the bowling for North Premier League club Thrumpton and East Midlands, the 1999 county champions and occasionally plays for Earl Shilton men’s team. She is currently studying for a GNVQ in Leisure and Tourism.

England travel to Australia on January 21 and play the world champions in four One-Day Internationals. They leave for New Zealand on February 6 where they play five One-Day Internationals. New Zealand have been runners-up in the last two World Cup finals.

For more information call Cath Harris, ECB Media Relations Officer, on 0171 432 1272 or Paul Farbrace on 0467 473430.