Edwards To Lead England's World Cup Defence

Edwards To Lead England's World Cup Defence

The 2013 World Cup will be Charlotte Edwards' fifth

©REUTERS / Action Images

Charlotte Edwards is set for her fifth Women's World Cup after she was named as the captain of England's 15-strong squad for the competition.

Edwards led England to the title in 2009 and will take charge again during next year's tournament, which gets underway in India on 31st January.

England are placed in Group A alongside India, Sri Lanka and the West Indies and will play warm-up matches against Pakistan and New Zealand before their opening game against Sri Lanka on 2nd February.

The top three teams in each group will progress to the Super Six stage, where they will play the qualifying teams from the other group. The top four teams from the Super Six stage qualify for the semi-finals and the final will be held on 17th February.

Eight of the squad that triumphed in 2009 will travel to India with six players set for their World Cup debuts and uncapped Georgia Elwiss making up the rest of the squad.

"The whole team is really excited about defending our world title in Mumbai in February. I’m so proud to be captaining such a talented team in what is the pinnacle event in our sport," Edwards said.

"There is a great blend to our squad with a combination of experienced players who were part of the 2009 success and emerging young players who have already shown that they can perform at this level.

"Every player in our squad has experience of playing in sub-continental conditions and we will continue to work hard during our final preparations so come February we are in the best possible shape to defend our title."

Head of England Women’s Cricket, Clare Connor added: "It has never been harder to select the England Women's squad than ahead of this ICC World Cup. So many players have impressed during 2012 and this final group of 15 should be congratulated on their selection.

"They have the honour of going to the World Cup as the current world champions and we wish them every success in rising to the challenge of bringing the trophy home again."

England World Cup squad: Charlotte Edwards (captain), Tamsin Beaumont, Arran Brindle, Katherine Brunt, Holly Colvin, Georgia Elwiss, Lydia Greenway, Jenny Gunn, Danielle Hazell, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Laura Marsh, Anya Shrubsole, Sarah Taylor, Danielle Wyatt

© Cricket World 2012