'She's a real impact bowler' - Heather Knight exudes confidence in debutant Lauren Filer ahead of Women's Ashes Test

Lauren Filer rightfully earned her Test call-up for the upcoming Women’s Ashes 2023 as England named their playing XI a day before the five-day contest. She will be a key in England’s line-up and will bring in the surprise element against the Aussies when the two sides lock horns on June 22 at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham. 

With approximately 15,000 spectators expected over the duration of the five-day match against Australia, this is a big moment for Filer, who edged over Issy Wong for a spot in the squad. However, on the night before the game, England's captain Heather Knight showed great confidence in Filer, lauding her, and dubbing her an ‘impact bowler’ on the side.

“It's hugely exciting for her. We've gone for her because we think she's a real impact bowler. I guess she's a bit of an unknown but she bowls wicket-taking deliveries and for me she's, if not the quickest, one of the quickest in the country,” Knight was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.  

“She gets bounce, and she's got skills, moves the ball both ways, and ultimately we need a team that's going to take 20 wickets and we feel like she gives us that. She can bang the ball in as well, there's not too many people queueing up to face her in the nets. I'm really excited for her to see how she goes,” the England skipper added.

Filer would look to continue her form against the mighty Aussies

Filer picked up eight wickets for Western Storm this season from four games in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, with an average of 28.62, and five wickets in as many games in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, with an average of 24.80. Filer has been consistent with the ball over the couple of years, as she finished with 11 scalps to her name in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy last year at an average of 22.63.

After the one-off Test, England will host Australia for three T20Is, which will be followed by as many ODI games. The team winning the Test match will be awarded four points, and the two sides will share two points each in case of a draw. As for the white-ball games, two points will be awarded for each victory, and the team with the most points, in the end, will take the Ashes title.