Uncapped 18-Year-Old Included in England Women's T20 World Cup Squad After Perrin Withdrawal

England Women's T20 World Cup preparations have been thrown into disarray with captain Amyelle Perrin's withdrawal through injury, forcing selector Kath Newton to turn to untested youth for the tournament.

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The defending champions announced their 15-player squad on Tuesday morning, with the surprise inclusion of an uncapped 18-year-old as a direct replacement for Perrin, who sustained the injury during training at the team's pre-tournament training camp in Sharjah.

"It's a difficult situation but one we've prepared for," said head coach Mo Walton. "Losing Amyelle is a massive blow, but we've always said this squad has depth. This young player has earned her spot through outstanding domestic form."

The teenager, who has been in sensational form for Sussex in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, scored 487 runs at an average of 48.7 this season, including two centuries.

England begin their title defence against New Zealand on May 24 in Dubai. The squad will depart for the UAE later this week.

"It's been a whirlwind 48 hours," the uncapped player admitted. "To get this opportunity means everything. I'm ready to give everything for this team."