Caroline Atkins will open the batting when England take on Australia in the first women's Test at Shenley, Hertfordshire, next month.

The 20-year-old from Burgess Hill has been named in the national senior squad with captain Clare Connor, a Sussex and Brighton and Hove team-mate.

Connor said: "It is great news. Caroline deserves her chance because she has worked so hard in the winter to improve her agility, fitness, endurance and speed while at university in Durham.

"She attends a cricket and fitness academy, where Graeme Fowler is the coach. She has also worked with the male university team.

"Caroline has shown a lot of grit and focus and if she can bring that attitude to the crease when we take on the Aussies she will do okay.

"I've opened for England and I was asked for my views and told the selectors that she had the temperament to deal with doing the same job.

"It is a big stage on which to make your senior debut, but I've got every confidence in her.

"Caroline's been on the fringes for a while now, having played at under-21s, and this is a real opportunity for her.

Connor, a teacher at Brighton College, revealed how Atkins' promotion came about.

She said: "There has been quite a few injuries in the England set-up and we've lost a few players anyway."

Connor underlined that Atkins' elevation is just for the one Test.

But she said: "If Caroline can do well then who knows? It could get her into the second Test."

Connor is glad of the company and said: "It will be nice to have someone around from Sussex for me to chat with."

Connor is looking forward to the series.

She said: "I'm delighted to be a part of it. It is a big, big challenge."

England will have caretaker coach Jane Powell, a former player, in charge.