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AFP
London
Wicket-keeper Sarah Taylor was included in the England squad announced Monday for the Women's World Cup after taking nearly a year out of the game due to a stress-related illness.
Taylor, 28, widely regarded as one of the best keepers in the women's game and, on her day, a dynamic batsman, stepped away from cricket after revealing she was struggling with anxiety issues.
But she returned last month and has been included, together with captain Heather Knight, in a 15-strong squad provided they both complete their"return to full fitness".
Top-order batsman Knight suffered a stress fracture in her foot earlier this month but she hopes to be fit in time to lead hosts England in their World Cup opener against India in Derby on June 24.
Taylor joined the squad for a training camp in the United Arab Emirates last month for the first time since taking an indefinite career break in May last year.
Explaining her condition in an interview with the BBC in June 2016, Taylor said:"For the past four years, I have been suffering from anxiety.
"My health is my first priority, and it was starting to affect my performance in cricket."
Taylor added:"It happened mainly when I was waiting to bat - the nerves and expectation of scoring runs would hit me. It would be nerves, plus something else and now I know it is genuine panic."
