T20 World Cup switch 'doesn't change much' for England

England have not won the T20 World Cup since 2009

England's T20 World Cup preparations will not be affected by the last-minute switch from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates, says captain Heather Knight.

Civil unrest in Bangladesh forced the International Cricket Council to move the tournament just six weeks before the first match on 3 October.

"The conditions will be slightly different, but not hugely," said Knight, 33.

"We’ve had Bangladesh in our heads for a long time, probably for the last couple of years, in terms of getting the players ready and building the squad.

"But I don’t think it changes too much. As players it gives us a little more time outside of the hotel room which is always a good thing."

Knight added it was a "shame" for the Bangladesh women’s team not to have a home World Cup but moving the tournament was "the right decision".

One of the more obvious differences in Sharjah and Dubai will be smaller crowds, which Knight says is something she will talk to the players about.

"Having played in Bangladesh in 2014 at the World Cup, we got some really good crowds, particularly in Sylhet, and it was a really good atmosphere," said Knight.

"It’s something we’ll talk about but it’s a World Cup and it shouldn’t take much to get up for that."

England begin their campaign on 5 October against Bangladesh in Sharjah, before facing 2023 finalists South Africa, Scotland and West Indies in the initial group stage before the semi-finals.

Filer 'unlucky' to miss out

Lauren Filer has played five T20s for England

The main omission from England's squad for the T20 World Cup was fast bowler Lauren Filer, with spinner Linsey Smith selected instead.

Head coach Jon Lewis said England opted for players who are more effective at certain stages of the game, rather than a particular style or type of bowler.

However, he was keen to stress how important Filer is going forward.

"There’s more to come from Lauren," said Lewis. "She’s a 22-year-old fast bowler who has only played a handful of international games.

"The speed at which she’s developing and the growth I can see coming past this point, is really exciting."

Lewis added Filer needs to work more on "her skills at the back end of a game" and "the next evolution will be controlling the swing".

"We’ve worked hard on controlling line and length and now it’s about adding movement to what she does," he said.

"Once she starts to do that at the pace she bowls, we’re going to see somebody who is really exciting."