England Women A will embark on a multi-format tour of India in November and December 2026, featuring three T20 fixtures, three 50-over matches, and a four-day red-ball game as key preparation for next year’s Women’s Ashes.
Who has been selected for the England Women A squads to tour India?
Essex’s Jodi Grewcock and Durham’s Mady Villiers, who both played international cricket this summer, join the core alongside Warwickshire all-rounder Charis Pavely and Surrey wicketkeeper-batter Kira Chathli. Scrivens top-scored for either side during the recent 2-1 ODI series defeat, while MacDonald-Gay led the wicket-taking charts in the 2-1 T20 series victory.
Domestic standouts also earn call-ups following successful county campaigns. Seamer Grace Ballinger and all-rounder Emma Jones, both 24, join the touring party after helping The Blaze secure a historic treble in 2026 by combining for 48 wickets at 19.00 and scoring 462 runs at 27.18 respectively. Ballinger has received call-ups to all three squads for every leg of the tour, while Jones is named in the T20 squad only.
Why is the four-day red-ball fixture in Mumbai so important for the Ashes?
Head coach Jon JJ Lewis emphasized that the winter assignment serves a distinct developmental purpose beyond immediate series results, targeting multi-format readiness ahead of the multi-format Women’s Ashes starting on June 27 at Headingley. An improved England side aims to regain the urn following a dismal 16-0 thrashing away from home in 2025.
The selection for A squads is often about the bigger picture and getting ready for challenges further down the line. These squads have an element of that, but are more about the players who are considered the next in line for the senior England teams, as well as the players who are looking to establish themselves in those teams.
Photo: England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
Jon JJ Lewis, Head Coach via ECB
The tour provides crucial red-ball exposure for contenders aiming to establish themselves in the senior setup. Lewis noted that the selection balances developmental horizons with immediate competitive ambition against a formidable opponent that previously toured the UK.
They toured the UK in the summer and had some success over here so we know it will be a challenge that we are looking forward to meeting head on.
Jon JJ Lewis, Head Coach via ECB
What is the full schedule for the India A multi-format series?
Action gets underway in late November with the T20 leg in Pune before moving north-west to Mumbai for the 50-over games and the tour-concluding four-day match.
Photo: Trent Bridge
Fixture Type
Date
Venue
1st T20
Monday 30 November
MCA Stadium, Pune
2nd T20
Thursday 3 December
MCA Stadium, Pune
3rd T20
Saturday 5 December
MCA Stadium, Pune
1st 50-over
Tuesday 8 December
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
2nd 50-over
Friday 11 December
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
3rd 50-over
Monday 14 December
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Four-day game
Saturday 19 – Tuesday 22 December
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Which players are part of the winter Performance Programme?
Alongside the touring squads, selectors designated six athletes for the England Women Performance Programme at home.
