England Women will play international cricket this summer after all, with a five-match T20 series confirmed against West Indies in Derby next month.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, England were due to play against India and South Africa in a tri-series this summer, but both teams dropped out despite the creation of bio-secure bubbles by the ECB.
The ECB turned to the West Indies, whose men have already played a three-match Test series against England this summer.
They have stepped in to fill the void, with all five matches set to be broadcast by Sky and the third, on Saturday September 26, to be shown live on the BBC, too.
ECB CEO Tom Harrison, said: "Protecting the momentum of the women's game was one of our four stated aims right at the beginning of the pandemic in March and I'm delighted that, despite the enormous difficulties that COVID-19 has created, we'll see England Women in action this summer."
ECB managing director of women’s cricket Clare Connor said: “It’s so pleasing after many months of work and communication with colleagues across the international game that we are now able to confirm international cricket for England Women this summer.
“We’re grateful to the West Indies for the pace and determination with which they have worked with us over the last couple of weeks.”
England have a squad of 24 players training at Derby. All of those will be involved in the first two rounds of the newly-created Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy at the start of September.