Warwickshire seamer Alexa Stonehouse will link up with England’s women this week after late injuries trimmed the touring pace stocks.
The 21-year-old has been added for the final two one-day internationals against New Zealand – Northampton on Wednesday, Cardiff on Saturday – following setbacks for Em Arlott (concussion) and Issy Wong (hamstring).
Stonehouse’s call-up rewards tidy early-season form in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup: eight wickets at 25, including back-to-back three-fors against Durham and Somerset. She meets the squad in Northampton on Tuesday and, with two matches left, has a realistic chance of a debut.
Arlott was struck on the helmet during nets at Chester-le-Street on Saturday and must pass concussion protocols. Wong, meanwhile, felt hamstring tightness in the warm-ups before Sunday’s series opener, a nervy one-wicket win for England. Lauren Filer stepped in at the last minute, leaving the hosts effectively one bowler light.
Medical staff have since sent Wong for a scan. With the T20 World Cup beginning on 12 June – England open against Sri Lanka – her fitness is now a priority.
Head coach Jon Lewis said, “We’ll give Issy every chance. There’s no value forcing the issue six weeks out from a World Cup.”
Charlie Dean, captaining while Nat Sciver-Brunt nurses a left-calf tear, steered Sunday’s chase with an unbeaten 31 and took the match award. Speaking afterwards, Dean admitted it had been “closer than we wanted” but praised the lower order for “finding a way”.
Sciver-Brunt’s rehabilitation continues at Loughborough and England hope to have their all-rounder back in limited-overs action later this month.
Stonehouse, measured in her response, said, “It’s always been a dream. If the chance comes this week, brilliant – if not, being around the group will still help my game.” The left-armer adds variety to an attack currently led by Kate Cross and Lauren Bell.
England lead the three-match series 1-0. A second victory on Wednesday would clinch it before the sides switch focus to T20s next week.
