Freya Kemp has played 30 times for England across four years amid her injury struggles. England all-rounder Freya Kemp says she did not consider retirement or continuing her career solely as a batter during her recent injury woes.

Kemp made her England debut aged 17 but by the age of 19 had suffered two back stress fractures, one of which meant she was unable to bowl competitively for 14 months. She subsequently had another 'stress reaction' in the same area and has not bowled in an official match since January 2025, but has been picked in England's squad for this summer's T20 World Cup - where it is hoped she will be able to play a full part.

"It has been a long few years but I am hopefully nearly out of the other side," Kemp, now 21, told BBC Sport. "It is horrible. It teaches you a lot about yourself and how to overcome hard stuff, and definitely teaches you a lot of resilience."

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"A superstar in the making" - teen's journey from dog-sitting to World Cup. Though Kemp, whose last international appearance came during the 2025 Ashes whitewash, will not bowl in the 50-over series against New Zealand that begins on Sunday, she has been bowling in practice since January. She has worked closely with England fast-bowling coach Chris Liddle, developing new skills which she remains tight-lipped about, and did bowl in three of the five intra-squad matches England held in South Africa in March.

It is expected she will bowl against the White Ferns and then India in the T20s which follow this three-match one-day international series, and in the T20 World Cup which begins on 12 June. "I just really enjoy having an impact on the game as much as I can," said Kemp. "I love bowling. I don't think I would ever give that up."

Kemp, who was carded at number nine on her international debut, also believes her injuries have allowed her to develop her batting. She made her first professional century last year and played a full season with Perth Scorchers last winter as a top-order batter.

Earlier this year coach Charlotte Edwards, who has worked with Kemp at Southern Vipers, Hampshire, Southern Brave and now England, namechecked her when discussing the need for bowling all-rounders for the T20 World Cup. Kemp is also a left-hander, something England have not had consistently in their top order since Lydia Greenway retired in 2016.

"I definitely have [improved as a batter]," Kemp said. "I have always spoken to Lottie and she has always helped me a lot around my batting, especially game situations. I would like to think other people think it as well, but I have definitely grown into being an all-rounder."

First ODI: England vs New Zealand 10 May, 2026, 11:00 BST. Ball-by-ball commentary on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and the BBC Sport website and app, which will also have live text commentary and in-play clips.