England have named the uncapped pair of Beth Langston and Kate Cross in their 14-player squad to tour West Indies. The players were picked from a 21-strong England Women's Performance Squad for 2013-14.
The tour to West Indies will feature a T20 tri-series with New Zealand followed by three ODIs against the hosts. First-choice players Katherine Brunt, Anya Shrubsole, Laura Marsh and Heather Knight have been omitted in order to recover from injuries sustained during the Ashes, which England won 12-4 on the points-based system. Arran Brindle was not included for personal reasons.
The return series in Australia will take place in January and February, with a 15-player squad to be selected after the West Indies trip.
"After an inspirational summer regaining the Women's Ashes, the England team now embarks on a full winter schedule starting with a tour to the West Indies," Clare Connor, the head of England women's cricket, said. "With a few experienced players currently rehabilitating injuries sustained during the Ashes campaign, a number of young players will have the opportunity to play key roles for the side in what promises to be an exciting tour against the hosts West Indies and also New Zealand.
"Kate Cross and Beth Langston should both be congratulated on their selection after delivering consistently strong performances at England Women's Academy level. Strength in depth is going to be critical to England's success over the next couple of years with more and more international cricket on the horizon, including the return Ashes to Australia in January 2014 and the ICC World Twenty20 in March/April 2014."
England Women's Performance Squad 2013-14: Tammy Beaumont, Arran Brindle, Katherine Brunt, Holly Colvin, Katie Cross, Charlotte Edwards, Georgia Elwiss, Natasha Farrant, Lydia Greenway, Jenny Gunn, Danielle Hazell, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Beth Langston, Laura Marsh, Natalie Sciver, Anya Shrubsole, Sarah Taylor, Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield, Danielle Wyatt
England squad to tour West Indies: Charlotte Edwards (capt), Tammy Beaumont, Holly Colvin, Katie Cross, Natasha Farrant, Lydia Greenway, Jenny Gunn, Danielle Hazell, Amy Jones, Beth Langston, Natalie Sciver, Sarah Taylor, Lauren Winfield, Danielle Wyatt