Mahika Gaur earns maiden England call-up

England Women have called up 17-year-old pacer Mahika Gaur for their upcoming limited-overs series against Sri Lanka. Alongside Gaur, Bess Heath, the wicketkeeper-batter is another fresh face in the setup, impressing one and all in the ongoing edition of The Hundred. 

Gaur earlier represented the United Arab Emirates (UAE), playing 19 WT20Is, where she picked up nine wickets. The left-arm pacer has been at her best in The Hundred for Manchester Originals and stands a chance to now take her spot in the playing XI. 

21-year-old Heath, too, has been a regular part of the Northern Superchargers' setup in the ongoing The Hundred. Freya Kemp has earned herself a recall to the limited-overs setup, with Lauren Filer also being named in the setup. 

"Mahika (Gaur) is a very exciting talent," head coach Jon Lewis said. "Left-arm swing bowlers of over six-foot tall are unique in women's cricket. Mahika has shown consistently this summer that she is a threat with the new ball and we are excited to see how she performs at international level.

"Bess (Heath) is an all-action cricketer who impacts games and is a great fit for us and how we want to play. She impressed in the A team games against Australia earlier in the summer and she also provides cover for Amy Jones with the gloves.

England regulars Sophie Ecclestone and batter Sophia Dunkley are rested for both the series, while Nat Sciver-Brunt and Danielle Wyatt will sit out of T20Is and ODIs, respectively. 

England T20I squad:Heather Knight (C), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Issy Wong, Danielle Wyatt

England ODI squad: Heather Knight (C), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Emma Lamb, Nat Sciver-Brunt