England women's squad skips games for army bootcamp ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

England's women's cricket team missed domestic fixtures to attend an army camp, aiming to strengthen team unity before hosting the T20 World Cup this summer.

Stand-in captain defends bootcamp choice Stand-in skipper Charlie Dean has backed the decision for England’s players to skip domestic matches for an army training session, arguing it was essential for team bonding. The squad of 15, picked for the T20 World Cup, pulled out of last week’s One-Day Cup fixtures to attend the camp at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Earlier in the season, players also missed One-Day Cup games for national training at Loughborough. Dean explained to a broadcaster that missing a couple of matches was worthwhile when the time was used productively. The stand-in captain added that the squad felt the camp was crucial for bringing the group together, with several meaningful discussions taking place.

England’s preparation timeline England have not played competitively since October, focusing instead on internal camps to get ready for the home T20 World Cup. The team will return to action on Sunday at Chester-le-Street for the first of three one-day internationals against New Zealand, with Dean leading for the first time due to a calf injury sidelining regular captain Nat Sciver-Brunt. Dean noted that winter camps created a competitive environment where players were fighting for spots. She highlighted how this pressure made team cohesion even more vital as the World Cup approaches, with the camp helping to foster unity.

World Cup ambitions drive camp The squad described the camp as a chance to move forward as a cohesive unit, with the ultimate goal of winning the World Cup this summer. Dean mentioned that earlier camps had created a tough environment where players pushed hard for selection. She emphasized that the recent camp allowed the group to bond and build chemistry, reinforcing their commitment to the tournament. The stand-in captain reiterated that winning the World Cup remains the team’s top priority.

Past bonding trips recalled England’s men’s team has previously taken part in bonding trips ahead of away Ashes series. Before the successful 2010-11 Ashes in Australia, players spent five days in Germany, where James Anderson suffered a rib fracture during a boxing session with Chris Tremlett. Three years later, a mock surveillance exercise in Staffordshire preceded a 5-0 defeat in Australia. For this camp, Dean described the women’s experience as involving running, burpees, press-ups, and vocal coaching.

Players describe camp experience Dean, aged 25, shared that the camp offered a different kind of training environment that pushed the squad but also strengthened their connection. She recalled a calm session on Thursday before a more intense Friday morning, where the players ran to join the troops. The abrupt change created a shock, with laughter quickly replaced by serious focus once coaching began. Dean stressed that everyone embraced the challenge as something they needed to overcome together.

New captain steps up for ODIs Off-spinner Charlie Dean will become the 20th woman to lead England in a one-day international after Sciver-Brunt was ruled out of the entire series. The injury is being treated as a precaution, and Sciver-Brunt is expected to return for the three-match T20 series against New Zealand starting on May 20. Dean said Sciver-Brunt is with the team in Durham, doing light training, and added that her injury appears manageable. The stand-in captain also mentioned that leading the ODIs presents a great opportunity to gain experience before the World Cup.

| Date | Opponent | Match format | |------------|---------------|--------------| | May 7-9 | New Zealand | One-Day Cup | | May 14 | New Zealand | ODI | | May 16 | New Zealand | ODI | | May 18 | New Zealand | ODI | | May 20 | New Zealand | T20 | | May 22 | New Zealand | T20 | | May 24 | New Zealand | T20 |

Squad changes ahead of series With several players unavailable, the England XI in Durham will feature a fresh lineup. Alice Capsey is unwell, Tammy Beaumont has been left out, Sophia Dunkley is resting, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge is absent due to an upcoming childbirth. The team may field Emma Lamb with Amy Jones at the top of the order, while batters Jodi Grewcock and Kira Chathli, along with spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman, could earn their first England caps.