Abi Norgrove, who was awarded her first professional contract with Hampshire last month, will lead the 15-women squad at the tournament which begins on January 18.

It will see 16 teams from around the world compete in a 41-match event across 15 days, concluding on February 2.

Norgrove, who plays for Oxfordshire Cricket as a batter, 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.”

England have been drawn in Group B and will face Ireland on January 18, Pakistan on January 20, and the USA on January 22, with all matches taking place in Johor.

Head coach Chris Guest 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 full squad is Norgrove, Phoebe Brett, Olivia Brinsden, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Trudy Johnson, Katie Jones, Charlotte Lambert, Eve O’Neill, Davina Perrin. Jemima Spence, Charlotte Stubbs, Amuruthaa Surenkumar, Prisha Thanawala, Erin Thomas, Grace Thompson.