England all-rounder Freya Kemp has revealed she never considered retiring or focusing solely on batting during her prolonged injury struggles. The 21-year-old made her international debut at 17, but by 19 she had endured two back stress fractures, one of which sidelined her from competitive bowling for 14 months. After another stress reaction in the same area, she has not bowled in an official match since January 2025. However, she has been selected in England’s squad for this summer’s T20 World Cup, where she is expected to play a full role.
“It has been a long few years, but I am hopefully nearly through it,” Kemp told reporters. “It is tough. It teaches you a lot about yourself and how to push through hard times, and definitely builds resilience.”
Kemp last played for England during the 2025 Ashes whitewash. Although she will not bowl in the upcoming 50-over series against New Zealand starting Sunday, she has been bowling in practice since January. She has worked extensively with England fast-bowling coach Chris Liddle to develop new skills, which she has kept under wraps, and bowled in three of the five intra-squad matches England held in South Africa in March. It is anticipated she will bowl against New Zealand and India in the T20 series following the three-match ODI series, as well as in the T20 World Cup beginning on June 12.
“I simply love having as much impact on the game as I can,” Kemp said. “Bowling is something I really enjoy. I never thought about giving it up.”
Kemp, who batted at number nine on her international debut, believes her injuries have helped her grow as a batter. She scored her first professional century last year and played a full season with Perth Scorchers this past winter as a top-order batter. Coach Charlotte Edwards recently highlighted Kemp when discussing the need for bowling all-rounders for the T20 World Cup. As a left-hander, Kemp fills a gap in England’s top order that has been missing since Lydia Greenway retired in 2016.
“I have definitely improved as a batter,” said Kemp. “I have always talked with Lottie [Edwards], and she has been a huge help with my batting, especially in game situations. I hope others see it too, but I have certainly grown into being an all-rounder.”
Meanwhile, fellow left-arm seamer Mahika Gaur has been ruled out of the ODIs against New Zealand after fracturing her foot in a fielding session this week. The 20-year-old is not part of the World Cup squad, and no replacement has been called up. All-rounder Alice Capsey will miss the first ODI due to illness, with Warwickshire’s 21-year-old left-hander Charis Pavely, who earned two caps on the 2024 tour of Ireland, brought in as cover.