SCI-HIGH HOPES FOR NEW TEST FACES

ENGLAND’S women are hoping a series of fresh faces can take them past South Africa in their one-off Test match and make up for the retirements of two legends.

The loss of Anya Shrubsole and Katherine Brunt from this international format is bound to rock the team first time out.

But all-rounder Nat Sciver is hopeful players such as bowlers Lauren Bell and Issy Wong, as well as opening batter Emma Lamb, can make an impact. “It is a really exciting time for our team, after losing Anya and then Katherine from Test matches,” said Sciver.

“They are two of our most experienced players in that format.

“We’ve got some exciting bowlers who have been around for the last couple of years such as Lauren Bell and Issy Wong (left) who has some real pace about her, but they haven’t had a chance to play yet.

“It is a great time for youngsters to come in. They are inexperienced but skilful.” South Africa are without injured seamers Shabnim Ismail and Ayabonga Khaka. But Laura Wolvaardt scored a hundred against England A.

Brunt would have taken up the challenge of trying to deal with the South Africa opener and she has been helping the new bowlers too.

“She’s been around the squad training for the white-ball stuff and passing on her expertise,” said Sciver. “It will be weird not to see her out there on the pitch.”