NEWPORT’S Sophia Smale has been selected in the England squad for the Under-19s T20 World Cup.

The 17-year-old announced herself on the big stage this summer when she was a key part of the Oval Invincibles side that won the Hundred.

The left-arm spinner played in seven games, taking eight wickets from 140 balls and will now aim to be a leading figure in the World Cup in South Africa.

The Monmouth School for Girls student will be in the England side that locks horns with Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Rwanda in the group stages with the tournament running from January 14 to 29.

Smale has been joined in the squad by Western Storm teammate Niamh Holland to the delight of her club bosses.

Storm regional director of women’s cricket Lisa Pagett said: “We are absolutely delighted that Niamh and Sophia have been included in the squad. 2022 was a big year for both players and we have been extremely impressed by how they have both handled the transition from the academy into the first XI environment.

“Both players are extremely talented, work really hard at their game and have huge amounts of potential and hopefully this will be the first of many occasions that they are recognised at international level.”