The 18-year-old will lead the 15-player squad in the second edition of the ICC Women’s Under 19s Cricket World Cup in Malaysia.

The tournament kicks off on Saturday January 18, with England facing Ireland, Pakistan and the USA in Group B. All their matches will be played in Johor.

Norgrove, who signed for Hampshire after playing 15 matches for Southern Vipers, expressed her excitement at the opportunity.

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The tournament kicks off on Saturday, January 18 (Image: Dave Vokes) She said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead the squad in the World Cup and honoured to represent my country in such an amazing competition. We can’t wait to get going as a team.”

Norgrove made her international U19s debut last winter in a tri-series against Australia and host nation Sri Lanka.

She scored 98 runs and helped England win the T20 leg of the tour.

The squad also includes Vipers Academy and Hampshire junior player Eve O’Neill, with fast bowlers Poppy Tulloch and Daisy Gibb named as non-travelling reserves.

England Women’s U19s head coach, Chris Guest, praised Norgrove’s leadership qualities.

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He said: “We are delighted to have Abi leading the side into the World Cup. She has shown great leadership qualities in both the Sri Lanka tour and preparation phase for the World Cup. Abi has gained significant experience of senior domestic cricket this season which I’m sure she will draw upon in Malaysia.”

The England Women’s U19s World Cup squad consists of: Abi Norgrove (captain, Hampshire), Davina Perrin (Warwickshire), Phoebe Brett (Warwickshire Academy), Jemima Spence (Surrey), Olivia Brinsden (Lancashire Academy), Charlotte Stubbs (Surrey Academy), Tilly Corteen-Coleman (Surrey), Amu Surenkumar (Warwickshire), Trudy Johnson (Durham), Prisha Thanawala (The Blaze), Katie Jones (Somerset), Erin Thomas (Yorkshire), Charlotte Lambert (Surrey), Grace Thompson (Durham Academy), and Eve O’Neill (Vipers Academy).

The team is set to make a strong start in the World Cup, with Norgrove’s leadership and experience expected to play a crucial role in their performance.