England's women enter new era

England were outplayed in the Women's Ashes series

By former England player Barbara Daniels

John Harmer's tenure as coach to the England women's side has begun in earnest with the announcement of a squad of 18 players for winter training.

Of these, 14 will go to India in January 2002 to contest five one-day internationals and a Test match.

Although not an official selector, it has to be assumed that this squad has been given Harmer's imprimatur.

It is no surprise that the bulk of the squad that struggled against Australia is still there - Jackie Hawker of Somerset being the only casualty from that group.

There are surprises, however, and some will see Sue Metcalfe's selection as the most unexpected.

A regular in the side until 1997 it was assumed that her England career was over but after a prolific season with the bat and consistently impressive performances behind the stumps, she has quite rightly been recalled.

Harmer guided Austrlai to three World Cup finals

At 36, she bucks the fashionable mantra of youth at all costs and will undoubtedly add much needed experience and steel to the side.

While she may not survive through to the next World Cup in 2005, Metcalfe could do a good job for England in the next couple of years, allowing youngsters to develop and grow in confidence.

Her tough and uncompromising approach on the pitch is well known and she has dazzled with the gloves for both North Riding and Yorkshire.

A feisty competitor, she will undoubtedly push Jane Cassar for her place. Cassar should take that competition seriously and make sure that she responds by demonstrating just what a good keeper she is.

Another returning face is Laura Newton.

She is a phenomenally talented cricketer, but experienced a loss of form and confidence on the tour to Australia and New Zealand in 2000 and subsequently missed out on the World Cup at the end of that year.

Newton has missed the entire season

This is a brave selection as Newton's second child, Harry, was born only two months ago.

It is a big ask for Newton to return to full form and fitness before the tour to India and her inclusion at this stage may be more about bringing her back into the fold for next season.

If she can return to her best, her sharp bowling and solid batting would be an asset to the team.

Newcomers Helen Wardlaw of Yorkshire and Sarah Clarke of Surrey have both graduated from the junior ranks.

An off-spinner and leg-spinner respectively, they demonstrate that Harmer is looking for people who turn the ball and stand every chance of progressing.

While there are four players from Yorkshire in the squad, indicative of the county's dominance domestically, one who will be disappointed is Melissa Reynard.

Edwards has good memories of India

Vice Captain in last year's World Cup she has struggled for form this season. She is however a talented, experienced and determined player and I hope those qualities merit a recall in the not too distant future.

Charlotte Edwards should not be forgotten at his point. Although recovering from a cruciate knee operation, she is making excellent progress and may be fit to go to India.

It must be assumed that if fit she must go as she is far too good to leave behind. Edwards will still attend squad training along with the selected 18.

Whether newcomers, incumbents or returning old hands, all 18 have the same mission.

They have a brief period of three months with sessions at Edgbaston to demonstrate to Harmer and the selectors that they have what it takes.

Harmer makes no secret of looking for bowlers who can do something with the ball and batsmen who are prepared to be positive from a sound technical platform.

They will need to show a determination to succeed, a desire to practise and a willingness to learn.

The message of this selection is that existing players are to be given the chance to impress but that the door is open to anyone who demonstrates the right characteristics whatever their previous record.