Charlotte Edwards has spoken candidly about the "hard decision" to leave Tammy Beaumont out of England's upcoming Women's T20 World Cup roster, while also indicating that Beaumont could still earn a place in the Test side that will face India at Lord's in July. The England head coach announced her 15-player World Cup squad on Tuesday, highlighting the surprise inclusion of 18-year-old uncapped all‑rounder Tilly Corteen‑Coleman as a headline pick. Beaumont, now 35, first appeared for England in both T20 Internationals and One‑Day Internationals back in November 2009. Over the ensuing years she has climbed the statistical ladder to become the second‑highest run‑scorer in England Women's ODI history.
Her dominant batting performances were a key factor in England's triumph at the 2017 Cricket World Cup, where she was named player of the tournament and finished as the leading run‑getter. The final squad list also features Nat Sciver‑Brunt (captain), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen‑Coleman, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danni Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong and Danni Wyatt‑Hodge. "It was a really tough decision and a really close one," Edwards told Sky Sports when asked about Beaumont's omission.
"Unfortunately, Tammy did miss out. It's never easy phoning someone and giving them that news. I'm really happy with the squad we've gone with, and it was incredibly difficult to select." She went on to describe the phone call as "a difficult phone call – as they always are – and as they are with many of the players because it's a home World Cup and it's a really special event." Edwards added that she would speak with Beaumont again in the coming days to discuss the situation further.
"I'll have a follow‑up conversation with Tammy over the next few days and talk to her about it, I'm sure," she said. Despite the disappointment, Edwards emphasized that Beaumont still has a future in the England setup. "There's still life left in Tammy Beaumont," she noted. "She's obviously missed out on a T20 World Cup, but we've got a Test match at the end of the summer.
We'll be picking the best team possible for that." Beaumont's recent form in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) was impressive; she scored 234 runs for the Adelaide Strikers, placing her 12th on the league's all‑time run‑scoring list for a single season. That performance underlines her continued ability to contribute at the highest level, even if she is not part of the T20 World Cup campaign. Another young talent who missed out on the World Cup squad was 19‑year‑old Davina Perrin. Edwards praised Perrin as a "really wonderful young talent" who excelled in The Hundred last year.
"She narrowly missed out for this competition but I think her time will come in the future," Edwards said, signalling that the England management still sees a pathway for her. The biggest surprise inclusion, however, was the meteoric rise of Tilly Corteen‑Coleman. The 18‑year‑old left‑arm spinner had a breakout second season in The Hundred in 2025 after being drafted by the Southern Brave in 2024, where she claimed 11 wickets and finished among the top‑10 bowlers for the competition.
"What a rise into professional cricket she has had," Edwards remarked. "A 16‑year‑old playing in The Hundred and then two years later being selected for England. She's just had an incredible two years.
She's performed, and that's ultimately what we've asked the players to do." Edwards highlighted that age was not a barrier for Corteen‑Coleman; her conduct over the past six months with the squad has been exemplary, and the coaching staff are confident she can handle the pressure of a major tournament. "She has conducted herself brilliantly over the last six months with the squad, spent lots of time with us, and we're really confident she can deliver on the big stage," Edwards said.
Corteen‑Coleman's selection makes her the third left‑arm spinner in the squad, joining Sophie Ecclestone and Linsey Smith, with off‑spinner Charlie Dean providing additional variety. When asked about the heavy left‑arm spin representation, Edwards explained, "Statistically, left‑arm spinners have been really successful in women's T20 cricket. We want options in our squad but also, ultimately, spinners to be effective. I know it's three left‑armers, but if they're your three best spinners, then we're going to go with that." Looking ahead, Edwards expressed optimism that the side can rebound from the disappointment of the 2024 WT20I World Cup group‑stage exit.
"I think we're a very different team. We're coming here to win it. We know it's going to be really hard.
There's some wonderful teams out there. But to be able to think that we can play in a World Cup final at Lord's is motivating us every day," she said. She added that the prospect of a home World Cup with a final at the historic Lord's ground adds an extra layer of excitement. "They're just always special events.
But to be part of a home World Cup with a final at Lord's, I don't think it gets much better. This team are really excited about that prospect and are looking forward to doing something really special," Edwards concluded. Fans can watch the Women's T20 World Cup live on Sky Sports, with selected matches available for free streaming via the Sky Sports app.
Those without a Sky subscription can also stream cricket contract‑free on NOW.