Charlotte Edwards has spoken candidly about the "hard decision" to leave veteran batter Tammy Beaumont out of England's squad for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup, while also hinting 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 the 15‑player World Cup roster on Tuesday, with the most eye‑catching name being 18‑year‑old left‑arm spinner Tilly Corteen‑Coleman, who earned a debut cap despite having no prior international experience. The list also featured seasoned campaigners such as Nat Sciver‑Brunt (captain), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, 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 an incredibly tough call and a very close one," Edwards told Sky Sports when asked about Beaumont's omission. "Having to make that phone call is never easy, especially when it concerns a player of Tammy's calibre and the fact that this is a home World Cup – a truly special occasion for everyone involved." Edwards added that she would be speaking with Beaumont in the coming days to discuss the decision further. "I'll have a follow‑up conversation with Tammy soon and explain the reasoning behind it. She's a professional, and I know she'll understand," she said.
Beaumont, now 35, made her T20 International and One‑Day International debuts for England in November 2009. Over the past 15 years she has climbed to become the second‑highest run‑scorer in the women's ODI format for England. Her most memorable achievement came at the 2017 Cricket World Cup, where she was crowned Player of the Tournament and finished as the leading run‑getter, helping England lift the trophy.
Despite missing the T20 World Cup, Edwards believes Beaumont still has a role to play later in the summer. "There's still plenty of cricket left for Tammy.
The Test match at Lord's is a massive occasion and we will pick the strongest XI we can for that. Tammy's experience and skill set will be valuable," Edwards affirmed. The omission also affected promising youngster Davina Perrin, a 19‑year‑old top‑order batter who did not make the World Cup list. Edwards praised Perrin's talent, noting her strong performances in The Hundred last season.
"Davina is a wonderful young talent. She narrowly missed out this time, but I have no doubt her England debut is on the horizon," Edwards said. In contrast, the inclusion of Corteen‑Coleman sparked a great deal of excitement.
The 18‑year‑old left‑arm spinner enjoyed a breakout second season in The Hundred in 2025, after being drafted by Southern Brave in 2024. She claimed 11 wickets, placing her among the top ten bowlers for the tournament. "What a meteoric rise she has had – from playing in The Hundred at 16 to earning an England cap at 18.
Her performances over the last six months have been outstanding, and we are confident she can deliver on the biggest stage," Edwards explained. Corteen‑Coleman's selection means England will field three left‑arm spinners in the World Cup squad: Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith and the newcomer herself. Off‑spinner Charlie Dean rounds out the spin department.
"Statistically, left‑arm spinners have been extremely effective in women's T20 cricket. If these three are our best spin options, we will go with them," Edwards remarked. Edwards also reflected on the team's recent disappointment at the 2024 WT20I World Cup, where England exited at the group‑stage level. "We are a very different side now.
Our goal is to come here and win. We know the competition will be fierce, but the prospect of playing a World Cup final at Lord's is a huge motivator for us every day," she said. She highlighted the unique atmosphere of a home tournament, adding, "Being part of a home World Cup with a final at Lord's is something special.
This squad is thrilled by that prospect and is determined to create something memorable for the fans." Beaumont's recent form in the Women's Big Bash League also deserves mention. Over the winter she represented the Adelaide Strikers, scoring 234 runs and finishing 12th on the season's run‑scorer list. "There's still life left in Tammy Beaumont," Edwards affirmed, underscoring that the batter's skill set remains valuable for England's longer format plans.
Overall, Edwards' comments painted a picture of a squad in transition – blending seasoned veterans, emerging stars and a clear strategic emphasis on spin. The coach expressed confidence that the blend of experience and youth would give England the tools needed to chase success in the home T20 World Cup and beyond, including the high‑profile Test clash against India at the historic Lord's ground.
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. For those without a Sky subscription, cricket can be streamed contract‑free on NOW.