Nat Sciver-Brunt will lead England in the Metro Bank one-dayers against India later this month, selectors confirming a 15-strong squad despite the captain’s recent groin problem. Sciver-Brunt tweaked the muscle while batting in the second T20I, missed the final three games, yet medical staff remain “quietly confident” she will be ready for the opening ODI at the Utilita Bowl on 16 July, followed by Lord’s on 19 July and Chester-le-Street on 22 July.
Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone returns after sitting out the early-season West Indies ODIs, replacing leg-spinner Sarah Glenn. Batter-keeper Maia Bouchier is included too, having stepped in for Sciver-Brunt during the T20Is. Fast bowler Lauren Filer, who touched 76 mph at The Oval – the quickest recorded over in women’s cricket – keeps her spot as her knee rehabilitation continues.
India arrive with momentum, their powerful top order and sharp spin attack having claimed the first two Vitality T20Is, Mandhana’s century at Trent Bridge laying the platform for a 97-run thrashing. England clung on by five runs in Friday’s third match at The Oval, showing steel that pleased new head coach Charlotte Edwards.
“India have really pushed us during the Vitality IT20 series,” Edwards said. “We knew they would and we’ve learned a lot about the team in the three games so far. There have been some good moments but we’re a team in transition and we need to keep working hard to do what we’re trying to do more consistently, and for longer. That’ll be asked of us again in the ODIs.
“Friday night was high drama and we were delighted to keep ourselves in the series, I’m very proud of the character and the fight the players showed. Hopefully we can keep that going at Emirates Old Trafford and Edgbaston and into the Metro Bank ODI series.
“The squad has largely stayed the same since the ODI series against West Indies, but Soph comes back into the side meaning Sarah Glenn misses out this time around. We’ve also added in Maia Bouchier to bolster our batting line-up and continue to offer competition for places. This series is the perfect preparation for the ICC Women’s World Cup in India this autumn, but it’s also a series we’re determined to win.”
England’s seam attack remains broad: Lauren Bell offers new-ball nip, Kate Cross experience, while Emily Arlott and Alice Davidson-Richards provide depth. Charlie Dean’s tidy off-spin partners Ecclestone, with all-round options in Alice Capsey and Sophia Dunkley. Tammy Beaumont, fresh from a composed stand-in captaincy role, is set to open.
ODI squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), Emily Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Alice Davidson-Richards, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Mady Villiers, Issy Wong.
England resume the T20I series at Old Trafford on Tuesday, aiming to square things before attention shifts fully to 50-over cricket. Victory there would send them north with spirits lifted; defeat would underline how much work remains before the World Cup.
