England Women’s cricket team will now hold their pre-season training camp in Pretoria, South Africa, after safety concerns prompted a cancellation of their planned trip to Abu Dhabi. The shift comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following recent strikes in Iran and subsequent regional airspace closures, forcing the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to find an alternative location for crucial preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup.
The decision, announced on March 6, 2026, impacts a 30-player training camp designed to build momentum before England hosts the T20 World Cup later this year. The ECB acted swiftly to secure game time for the players, arranging a five-match intra-squad series scheduled to run from March 10 to March 27. This relocation underscores the challenges facing international sports teams navigating geopolitical instability and prioritizing player safety.
Squads Named for South Africa Camp
To maximize playing opportunities, England has divided the players into two squads, named in honor of English cricket legends Jan Brittin and Rachael Heyhoe Flint. Team Brittin will be captained by Nat Sciver-Brunt, with Jon Lewis serving as coach, while Charlie Dean will lead Team Heyhoe Flint under the guidance of Luke Williams. England’s head coach, Charlotte Edwards, will oversee both squads, ensuring a consistent approach to training and development.
The squads feature a blend of established international players and emerging talent, with eight players receiving their first call-up to a senior England training camp. These uncapped prospects include spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman, batters Davina Perrin, Jodi Grewcock, and Grace Scrivens, seamers Grace Potts and Alexa Stonehouse, and wicketkeepers Rhianna Southby and Ellie Threlkeld. Rising star Davina Perrin, who impressed with a century for Northern Superchargers in the recent Hundred competition, is among those hoping to build a strong impression.
Leg-spinner Sarah Glenn will miss the camp due to a broken finger, according to reports from BBC Sport. Edwards previously challenged younger players to compete for places in the full squad, and this camp provides a significant opportunity to do so.
Shift from UAE Highlights Regional Instability
The original plan to hold the training camp in Abu Dhabi was scrapped after the United States and Israel launched air strikes in Iran last weekend, leading to significant disruption in regional airspace. As reported by Wisden, the ECB cited safety concerns as the primary reason for the change. The situation prompted a rapid reassessment of options, with venues in South Africa and Zimbabwe considered before Pretoria was ultimately selected.
The ECB explored alternative locations, including Spain and Loughborough, before settling on Pretoria. The camp will serve as key practice for England before this summer’s T20 World Cup, as they haven’t played a competitive fixture since losing in the semi-finals of the 50-over World Cup in October, according to Yahoo Sports. Earlier this year, the team undertook training trips to Oman and South Africa as part of their preparations.
England Women have not played since October and were originally due to fly to the UAE on Wednesday, but the trip was cancelled due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. The tour is billed as key practice for England before this summer’s T20 World Cup.
The squads are as follows:
Team Brittin
- Captain: Nat Sciver-Brunt
- Coach: Jon Lewis
Team Heyhoe Flint
- Captain: Charlie Dean
- Coach: Luke Williams
With the T20 World Cup less than 100 days away, the South Africa camp represents a vital opportunity for players to fine-tune their skills and compete for selection. The intra-squad series will provide valuable match practice and allow the coaching staff to assess the form of potential World Cup contenders. The focus will now shift to ensuring a smooth transition to Pretoria and maximizing the benefits of the revised training schedule.
What comes next for the England Women’s team is a period of intense preparation in South Africa, culminating in the five-match intra-squad series. The performance of the uncapped players will be closely watched, as will the form of established stars as they gear up for the challenges of the T20 World Cup on home soil.
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