LONDON, Oct 1: England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have introduced a Women’s Academy Programme for promising youngsters.

The first intake of 15 players includes spinner Holly Colvin, who made her Test debut against Australia this summer. Over course of next 12 months, they will each follow an individual training programme.

“It is particularly important younger talented players receive appropriate support earlier,” said Academy coach Barbara Daniels.

“I am delighted that county Academies and University Centres of Cricketing Excellence are enabling girls to join their programmes and allowing us to assist these players in a far more competitive fashion.”

Women’s cricket is on a high at present after senior England team, led by Clare Connor, beat Australia 1-0 in Women’s Ashes series.

Their coach, Richard Bates, believes new initiative will be an important step towards further success in the future.

“Working together to produce individualised programmes for these players will ensure we have more quality players pushing for England selection in years to come,” he said.

“As we start to plan for next World Cup it will be some of players who come through Academy programme that will no doubt feature and bring us success in 2009 and beyond.”—Agencies