England’s Experimental Line-up
England won the toss and decided to bat first in the opening ODI against the West Indies at Derby. The decision was based on a good pitch, but England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt expected it to slow down later in the match. However, the real innovation came with England’s line-up.
Debutants in the Squad
England handed ODI debuts to seam bowler Em Arlott and left-arm spinner Linsey Smith. Both players had previously featured in T20Is, with Arlott taking 3 for 14 in the second T20I against the West Indies. Smith made her international comeback during England’s New Zealand tour in 2024 after a nearly five-year hiatus.
Changes in the Batting Order
The biggest surprise came with Amy Jones opening the batting alongside Tammy Beaumont. Though Jones has previously opened the batting 22 times in ODIs, it had been since the 2019 Women’s Ashes that she had batted at the top. Emma Lamb comes in at No. 3, following a stellar domestic 50-over season where she topped the run charts with 577 runs at an average of 82.42.
Alice Capsey and Injury Concerns
Alice Capsey, who was called into the squad as cover for the injured Heather Knight, took her place in the starting XI at No. 6. Knight had suffered a serious hamstring injury during England’s third T20I against West Indies, which will keep her out until at least the Women’s World Cup later this year.
West Indies’ Challenge
West Indies, who failed to qualify for the upcoming World Cup, face a challenging situation after their 3-0 T20I series loss to England. They will be looking to bounce back in this ODI series, despite missing Stafanie Taylor, who is still recovering from an injury.
Team Line-ups
England:
- Tammy Beaumont
- Amy Jones
- Emma Lamb
- Nat Sciver-Brunt
- Sophia Dunkley
- Alice Capsey
- Emily Arlott
- Charlie Dean
- Kate Cross
- Linsey Smith
- Lauren Bell
West Indies:
- Hayley Matthews (captain)
- Qiana Joseph
- Zaida James
- Shemaine Campbelle
- Shabika Gajnabi
- Mandy Mangru (wicketkeeper)
- Aaliyah Alleyne
- Jahzara Claxton
- Cherry-Ann Fraser
- Afy Fletcher
- Karishma Ramharack
Looking Ahead
The match marks a new chapter for England’s cricket squad, with several fresh faces and changes to their usual order. West Indies, on the other hand, will be aiming to prove themselves after a tough series, looking to improve their performance ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
