Charlotte Edwards has spoken candidly about the "hard decision" to leave veteran batter Tammy Beaumont out of England's roster 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 a 15‑player squad on Tuesday, with the most eye‑catching name being 18‑year‑old uncapped all‑rounder Tilly Corteen‑Coleman, who earned a surprise call‑up. Beaumont, now 35, debuted for England in both T20 Internationals and One‑Day Internationals back in November 2009.
Over the ensuing decade she has become the second‑most prolific run‑scorer in England women's ODI history. Her bat was a driving force behind England's triumph at the 2017 Cricket World Cup, where she was named Player of the Tournament and finished as the competition's leading run‑getter. The full World Cup squad named by Edwards reads: 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 added that the phone call was "as hard as they always are" because the tournament is being held at home, making it a particularly special occasion for every player involved. "I'll have a follow‑up conversation with Tammy over the next few days and talk to her about it, I'm sure," Edwards promised.
Beaumont's recent form in the Women's Big Bash League was strong; she scored 234 runs for the Adelaide Strikers during the winter season, placing her 12th on the league's overall run‑scoring list. "There's still life left in Tammy Beaumont," Edwards emphasized.
"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." Another young talent left out was 19‑year‑old Davina Perrin.
Edwards was quick to reassure fans that Perrin's future with England remains bright. "Davina is a really wonderful young talent. She performed really well last year in The Hundred," Edwards said. "She narrowly missed out for this competition but I think her time will come in the future." Edwards also praised the meteoric rise of Corteen‑Coleman.
The left‑arm spinner enjoyed a standout second season in The Hundred in 2025 after being drafted by Southern Brave in 2024, where she claimed 11 wickets and finished among the top ten bowlers for the campaign. "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.
Her age has not really been taken into account. She's 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." Corteen‑Coleman's inclusion makes her the third left‑arm spinner in the squad, joining Sophie Ecclestone and Linsey Smith, with off‑spinner Charlie Dean providing variety. When asked about the spin‑heavy composition, 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 with that." Looking ahead, Edwards expressed confidence that the side can rebound from the disappointment of a group‑stage exit at the 2024 WT20I World Cup. "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 highlighted the unique allure of a home World Cup with a final at the historic Lord's ground. "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 catch the Women's T20 World Cup live on Sky Sports, with selected matches available for free via the Sky Sports app. Those without a Sky subscription can also stream the action contract‑free on NOW, ensuring the tournament reaches a broad audience across the UK and beyond.