England include Knight in Women's WC squad

LONDON, Aug 21 (AFP): England have named former captain Heather Knight in their Women's World Cup squad but experienced seamer Kate Cross has been left out of the party that will travel to India and Bangladesh for the 50-over showpiece.

Top-order batter Knight has not played since damaging her hamstring in May but was still selected in a 15-strong squad for the tournament, which runs from September 30 to November 2.

Given conditions in the sub-continent are expected to provide plenty of turn, England coach Charlotte Edwards has included four specialist spin bowlers.

Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith and Charlie Dean are joined by leg-spinner Sarah Glenn, who missed the recent series against India but is now set for her first 50-over World Cup.

Glenn has effectively replaced Cross, with Edwards deciding she can get by with a reduced number of quick bowlers.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge is also back after losing her place in the one-day international squad set-up following last year's humiliating 16-0 points loss to Australia in the multi-format Ashes, while Maia Bouchier and Alice Davidson-Richards have missed out.