England call up teenagers

England women’s chairman of selectors Michael Griggs has named two uncapped players in the 14-strong squad to face India in the forthcoming series.

Sussex's 17-year-old batsman and wicket-keeper Sarah Taylor is called up following her fantastic performances in the recent Super 4s, including a highest score of 82, and Kent medium-pacer Lynsey Askew, 19, is also included after impressing the selectors with an economy rate of 2.93.

Sarah Taylor in action at Uppingham in the Super 4s

Holly Colvin, who made her international debut in last year’s first npower Ashes Test at Hove, is named in the squad following her economical bowling throughout the Super 4s.

Griggs said: “Holly is a very promising left-arm spinner with recent success in this season’s Super 4s and her inclusion optimises our bowling choices during the series.

Holly Colvin representing Brighton & Hove in the Premier League

“Sarah Taylor is a busy young player who has scored heavily this year while also providing a wicket-keeping option for the squad.

“Lynsey deserves her opportunity after consistent all-round performances this season.”

The squad will play India in August and early September in a series of matches including a NatWest women’s international Twenty20, the NatWest Series comprising five one-day internationals - the first of which will be held at Lord’s and offers free entry to everybody - and two npower Test matches.

Captain Charlotte Edwards added: “We’ve got a really exciting summer series coming up with two girls making their international debuts and Holly returning after a promising debut last summer.

“The squad gives us great depth in all departments and offers a great blend of youth and experience.

“With Claire Taylor as one of the best batsmen in the world and Katherine Brunt leading our bowling attack, it is an extremely strong side.

“I’m relishing the opportunity of captaining my first home series with such a talented side and I can’t wait to lead them out for the opening NatWest women’s International Twenty20 at Derby on August 5.”

Head coach Richard Bates is confident of a successful series, adding: “This squad includes some very talented youngsters and we felt it was a good time to introduce them to the international scene ahead of an important quadrangular series and looking towards the World Cup in 2009.

“We’re at full strength and all have high hopes of a successful summer in all three formats of the game.”

Squad: (Player, represents, date of birth)

Charlotte Edwards (Kent, captain), 17/12/79

Laura Newton (Lancashire, vice-captain) 27/11/1977

Lynsey Askew (Kent) 3/9/86

Caroline Atkins (Sussex) 13/1/81

Rosalie Birch (Sussex) 6/12/83

Katherine Brunt (Yorkshire) 2/7/85

Holly Colvin (Sussex) 7/9/89

Isa Guha (Berkshire) 21/5/85

Jenny Gunn (Nottinghamshire) 9/5/86

Beth Morgan (Middlesex) 27/9/81

Nicola Shaw (Nottinghamshire) 30/12/81

Jane Smit (Nottinghamshire) 24/12/72

Claire Taylor (Berkshire) 25/9/75

Sarah Taylor (Sussex) 20/5/89