Carr Selected for Sri Lanka tour

The news follows fellow Exeter Cricketer Tom Abell’s selection for Somerset’s senior tour of South Africa in February, and highlights the University’s commitment to support athletes at the highest level.

Travelling across Sri Lanka, the tour, from 29 January- 12 February represents part of England’s preparations ahead of the ICC World Twenty20 competition in Bangladesh later this year.

Selection followed a string of strong performances by the wicketkeeper / batswoman during the 2013 County domestic season with Devon, and series of England Women Academy training camps that have taken place throughout the winter.

Having played at county level for Devon since her early teens, Plymouth born Amara graduated into the England under 17s development squad in 2010. Since then she has travelled the world in the England jersey competing in South Africa and Sri Lanka.

She commented: “Last year I was also lucky enough to go on the England Academy tour to Sri Lanka, as well as have the opportunity to play at home in games against Sri Lanka and Pakistan for the England U19s.

“Most recently, in October 2013 I was part of the England U19 Development squad to go to South Africa where we played their development side and full squad.

“I’ve had training camps throughout the winter at the National Cricket Performance Centre at Loughborough and Old Trafford where we train as a squad but a lot of focus has been on fitness and injury prevention in preparation for the conditions out in Sri Lanka.

“I’m looking forward to working and developing with the rest of the squad and testing our skills in a tougher environment and conditions we’re not used to here in England, but am confident we can put in performances against the Sri Lankan side in the 4 T20’s and 2 ODI’s we are playing.

“During my last tour to Sri Lanka I fell ill so am hopeful to take any opportunities I get with the bat to gain experience and take everything in. I’m definitely excited not only for the experience and opportunity but being part of such a talented squad and the friendships I’ve made.

“I’m particularly looking forward to playing at the Premadasa stadium in Colombo as this is something we don’t have the chance to do so much.”

Alongside her international commitments, Amara also plays for the University of Exeter’s Ladies’ Cricket Club [EULCC] who enjoyed victory in last season’s British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Premier League and a silver medal in the National Championship.

Director of Cricket Julian Wyatt explained how he hoped that having international players like Amara on the books will help bolster the team and bring on newer players ahead of the BUCS season start in April.

He said: “Amara is a very good cricketer with an excellent work ethic. This trip is a brilliant opportunity for her to broaden knowledge at an international level. We are lucky to have a number of very talented England Development players in our women’s set up the moment, which is real asset in developing the whole team.

“This year, as much as getting runs on the board, I’m hoping that she’ll show some clear leadership qualities. We have a broad set-up here, and need to use the experience of players like Amara as we look to replicate last year’s success.”

Amara added: ““My scholarship at University of Exeter has given me lots of support and access to training which has helped me focus particularly on my batting at the moment.

“Last year EULCC were runners up in the BUCS final, so this year we will be hoping to go further.”