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 faces India at Lord's in July. The England head coach revealed her 15-player World Cup contingent on Tuesday, highlighting the surprising inclusion of 18-year-old uncapped talent Tilly Corteen-Coleman as a headline name. 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 batting heroics were instrumental in England's triumph at the 2017 Cricket World Cup, where she was crowned Player of the Tournament and finished as the competition's leading run‑getter.
The full World Cup squad named by Edwards includes 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 hosted 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 said. Beaumont's recent form in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) was impressive; she accumulated 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 name left out of the World Cup squad was 19‑year‑old Davina Perrin. Edwards praised the young top‑order batter, noting her strong performances in The Hundred last year.
"Davina is a really wonderful young talent. She performed really well last year in The Hundred. She narrowly missed out for this competition but I think her time will come in the future," Edwards explained. Edwards also lauded the meteoric rise of Tilly Corteen‑Coleman.
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, claiming 11 wickets and ranking among the top ten bowlers for the campaign. "What a rise into professional cricket she has had," Edwards said.
"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 Edwards' World Cup squad, joining Sophie Ecclestone and Linsey Smith, with off‑spinner Charlie Dean providing additional variety. When asked about the spin options, Edwards noted, "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." Edwards also reflected on England's disappointing group‑stage exit from the 2024 WT20I World Cup, insisting the side is ready to bounce back. "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, especially with a final scheduled 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. For fans wishing to follow the action, the Women's T20 World Cup will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with selected matches available for free streaming via the Sky Sports app.
Those without a Sky subscription can also watch contract‑free cricket streams on NOW.