BBC SPORT | Cricket | Specials | England Women Summer 2002

England's top women cricketers are taking a break from international action to play in the County Championships at Cambridge.

But there is plenty of incentive to perform well with places in the side for two Tests against India next month up for grabs.

England were beaten by world champions New Zealand in the final of the one-day Tri-Series, but hope to end the summer on a high note with victory in the Tests.

The County Championships will run from 27-31 July, with the Test squad to be named at their conclusion.

Yorkshire will be defending the title they have won in 10 of the last 11 years, with their bowling attack led by Clare Taylor, who recently becamse only the second woman to take 100 international wickets.

Among their opponents will be a Sussex side, led by England captain Clare Connor, who won promotion to Division One last year.

All-rounder Melissa Reynard
Melissa Reynard led Yorkshire to victory last year

"Five matches in five days leads to some intense and exciting cricket," said Connor.

"It's a great year for the Championship as it celebrates 21 years at Cambridge in the current format."

Among those hoping to impress will be Sussex opener Caroline Atkins, who shared a record first wicket stand of 200 with Arran Thompson during the one-off Test in India during the winter but was not named in the one-day squad.

There will also be a chance for all-rounders Kathryn Leng and Sarah Collyer to press their claims after being replaced in the Tri-Series squad for going on holiday without permission.

Division One teams: Berkshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Surrey, Sussex, Yorkshire.

Division Two teams: Derbyshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Lancashire, Middlesex, Somerset.

Division Three teams: Cheshire, Durham, Essex, Hampshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire.