Ireland preparing to host England for exciting 6-match white ball Women’s serieswith three One Day Internationals (ODIs) followed by three T20 Internationals (T20Is). The series will begin with the ODI leg starting in Belfast on September 7. With both teams looking to make a mark, this series promises to bring competitive cricket to the fore.
A new-look England team
England enter the series with a slightly different squad than usual as they rest several senior players. Those who are not in the squad are ordinary captains Heather Knightthoroughly Nat Sciver-Bruntand other prime numbers, e.g Maia Bouchier, Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capseyand Sarah Glenn. Their absence creates an opportunity for new faces to rise and shine in the international arena.
Kate Cross will direct
The England squad for this series has younger and relatively inexperienced players. But with experienced Kate Cross With captain at the helm, England still retains some firepower. A seasoned bowler with ample leadership experience, Cross will be instrumental in guiding the younger players through the rigors of international cricket.
England’s youth promise
While the squad lacks some of the usual stars, it is full of promising young talent looking to make their mark. Players like it Bess Heath, Freya Kempand Isy Wong have shown potential in the recent past and this series offers them a platform to showcase their skills in the international arena. England’s selection reflects a clear focus on nurturing the next generation of cricketers, giving them valuable game time and experience.
Players to watch out for in the England squad
Tammy Beaumont: Beaumont is one of the most consistent performers in England’s batting line-up. As a seasoned opener, his ability to build innings and adapt to different match situations makes him a key player. He will be vital to ensure a strong start for England throughout the series.
Emma Lamb: Lamb’s versatility as an all-rounder makes him an important player for England. As a starting pitcher who can also contribute with the ball, Lamb has the potential to impact games on multiple fronts. His ability to balance both roles will be essential to England’s success.
Freya Kemp: Kemp brings a dynamic presence to the team with his left-arm pace and explosive shot. As a young all-rounder, he is one of England’s rising stars, capable of turning a game around with both ball and bat. Kemp’s performances will be closely watched as he looks to cement himself in the team.
Isy Wong: Wong’s fast pace and aggressive bowling style make him an interesting prospect for England. Known for his ability to trouble the batsmen with bounce and pace, he will be a key figure in the bowling attack. Wong’s ability to take early wickets could set the tone for England in the series.
Hannah Baker: As a young leg-spinner, Baker showed a lot of promise with his ability to take wickets in the middle innings. His variations and skill make him a player to watch, especially in spin-favoring conditions. Baker’s ability to control the game with his spin will be crucial to England’s bowling strategy.
Also READ: Here’s why England players will miss Women’s Big Head League (WBBL) 2024 final stages
England Women’s top picks for ODI series against Ireland
1. Tammy Beaumont
- Role: Opening batter.
- Power: Consistency and experience at the top of the order. Beaumont is known for his ability to anchor shots and convert the shot effectively while accelerating when needed.
- Expectations: As the biggest batter, Beaumont will provide consistency and lead from the front with big scores.
2. Bess Heath
- Role: Goalkeeper-prone.
- Power: A dynamic goalkeeper who can score quickly, especially in the middle and lower ranks.
- Expectations: Heath is expected to offer low-cost runs down the order and continue the sharp work behind the stumps.
3. Emma Lamb
- Role: All-rounder (Opening prone and no-spin spinner).
- Power: A versatile all-rounder with the ability to provide solid starts with the bat and chip in with important overs.
- Expectations: Lamb is expected to contribute with both bat and ball, pitching the ton and disrupting partnerships with off-spin.
4. Bryony Smith
- Role: All-rounder (Mamir and off-spin bowler).
- Power: A powerful striker of the ball with useful off-spin bowling that can be effective in the medium overs.
- Expectations: Smith is expected to play a dual role, adding firepower to the batting line-up and providing breakthroughs with the ball.
5. Maddy Villiers
- Role: All-round (low-order pitch and no-spin flip shell).
- Power: A flexible fielder and an effective spinner with the ability to change the game with his bowling.
- Expectations: Villiers is expected to be a key figure in the middle with off-spin and provide stability in the lower order if required.
6. Freya Kemp
- Role: All-rounder (Fast bowling and low order batter).
- Power: A left-arm pacer with the ability to swing the ball and help with explosive batting.
- Expectations: Kemp is expected to make important contributions with both ball and bat, especially in tight situations.
7. Hollie Armitage
- Role: Medium dough.
- Power: Technically sound with the ability to play long shots and stabilize the middle order.
- Expectations: Armitage is expected to hold the middle order together and convert the starters into big scores.
8. Kate Cross (c)
- Role: Captain and pace bowler.
- Power: A reliable sailor with leadership qualities and the ability to lead by example in the field.
- Expectations: As captain, Cross is expected to manage his bowlers effectively, provide breakthroughs and lead the team with his experience.
9. Isy Wong
- Role: Fast bowler.
- Power: Set the tempo with his aggressive approach and his ability to make a splash and cause trouble.
- Expectations: Wong is expected to be the executioner of the bowling attack, taking early wickets and bowling with pace and intent.
10. Lauren Filer
- Role: Fast bowler.
- Power: A tall, fast bowler who can pull off bounce and seam moves, making him a threat in all conditions.
- Expectations: The fielder is expected to complete the pace attack and advance with the new ball.
11. Hannah Baker
- Role: A leg spin bowler.
- Power: Skilled leg spinner with variations.
- Expectations: Baker is expected to be the main wicket-keeper in the middle, using his spin to disrupt the opposition’s batting plans.
Also READ: England captain Heather Knight expects quiet stands at 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup in UAE
This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
