Four South East Stars players are in contention to make the England U-19 squad for the tour to Sri Lanka in 2024.
Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlotte Lambert, Alexa Stonehouse, and Charlotte Stubbs have been selected in the Preparation Phase squad ahead of the U-19 triangular series against Australia and Sri Lanka in the first half of 2024, which will kick start England’s preparations for the 2025 U-19 World Cup.
Left-armer Stonehouse, who was handed out a senior contract last winter and represented Stars 14 times this season, has already had a taste of representing England in the U-19 World Cup. The 18-year-old was a crucial player for the Three Lions in the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa, playing a decisive innings of 25 in the thrilling semi-final victory over Australia.
Pacers Stubbs, 18, and Lambert, 17, had been regularly sharing the new ball for Surrey across competitions this season. Lambert recently signed her first senior contract with the Stars and was also selected in an England Development XI against Sri Lanka earlier in the summer.
16-year-old Corteen-Coleman, a left-arm spinner by trade, impressed throughout the 2023 season, finishing as the Stars Academy’s second-highest wicket-taker in the Regional Academy Friendlies with 12 scalps at an outstanding average of 17.25.
Jemima Spence, who enjoyed a fantastic year with the bat for the Stars Academy, was initially selected but unfortunately has been forced to withdraw due to injury.
Emma Calvert, Regional Director of Women’s Cricket at the South East Stars, said: “It is amazing news for each of them and we’re delighted our players will get this opportunity to keep developing their game.
“The coaches and the training staff at the Stars Academy have been working tirelessly with the squad, and it’s wonderful to see that many of our players are making the most of the opportunities offered to them.
“Alexa showed great maturity this season in the senior side, climbing up and down the order and delivering with the bat as well as the ball. Tilly, Jemima, Charlotte Stubbs and Lambert also displayed their high potential playing for the Academy side. We’re very pleased that their performances have been recognised.”
