"Selecting teams and squads with this group of players has become incredibly tricky and tough," England's head coach, Jon Lewis, said. "There are players who have been really unfortunate to miss out and they'll be a big part of what we do with England Cricket in the future.

"I feel the 15 players selected give us a really well balanced squad in terms of experience, youth and most importantly the skills to cope and excel in the conditions we feel we will be faced with in the UAE."

England's captain, Heather Knight, added: "World Cups are always special events to be involved in as a player and I'm really excited by the squad we have selected to take over to the UAE. It's an honour to lead the team into another World Cup. We're looking forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead."

Cross had conceded that she was unlikely to force her way into England's World Cup thinking and will instead captain England for the first time after a career in which she has won 91 caps across formats.

They will be coached by Jon Lewis - the former Durham batter, rather than the Gloucestershire seamer - who currently looks after the England A team, assisted by Courtney Winfield-Hill and Chris Liddle.

England Women's T20 World Cup squad: Heather Knight (capt), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt

England Women's ODI squad to tour Ireland: Kate Cross (capt), Hollie Armitage, Hannah Baker, Tammy Beaumont, Georgia Davis, Lauren Filer, Bess Heath, Freya Kemp, Emma Lamb, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Paige Scholfield, Bryony Smith, Mady Villiers, Issy Wong

England Women's T20I squad to tour Ireland: Kate Cross (capt), Georgia Adams, Hollie Armitage, Hannah Baker, Tammy Beaumont, Mahika Gaur, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Charis Pavely, Paige Scholfield, Seren Smale, Bryony Smith, Mady Villiers, Issy Wong