New Zealand’s 8-match white-ball series against hosts England kicks off on the 26th of June 2024, with the 1st of three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and the 5 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) follow. The series opener is scheduled for 5:30 PM, at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street.
Squads:
England – Heather Knight (C), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith, Danielle Wyatt
New Zealand – Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze (WK), Maddy Green, Mikaela Greig, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe
Players to watch out:
Sophia Dunkley
The 23-year-old top-order batter, from 30 ODI innings, has accumulated 770 runs, including a highest score of 107, at an average of 27.50. Sophia didn’t feature in the series against Pakistan earlier this domestic summer but following a 293-run season from 5 outings in the 50-over competition, she earned a recall into the side. It is hoped she replicates this success on her international return.
Charlie Dean
The 23-year-old off-spinner, from 30 ODIs, has scalped 55 wickets, including a best of 5/31, averaging 19.85 and maintaining an economy rate of 4.60, while also being more than handy with the bat. In the ODI series against Pakistan, Charlie, in her only batting outing, scored 20 runs, and her bowling returns read 2/39 and 1/47. She’ll be counted on for wickets and also runs.
Suzie Bates
The 36-year-old all-rounder, from 154 ODI outings, has racked up 5673 runs at an average of 41.10, including a highest score of 168, and has also taken 78 wickets from 107 innings. Suzie, in her most recent ODI series against England earlier this year on home soil, registered scores of 50, 28, and 6, while also returning figures of 2/24 and 1/12. The seasoned batter will be banked upon to lead the scoring.
Melie Kerr
The 23-year-old all-rounder, in ODIs, has amassed 1972 runs from 60 innings and has bagged 90 wickets from 70 bowling innings, registering bests of 232* and 5/17. Melie, in the home series against New Zealand earlier this year, only managed scores of 25, 14, and 31, but produced bowling figures of 2/46, 1/35, and 2/46. She’ll be backed to convert her scores while continuing her bowling form.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street, pleases bowlers, particularly pacers, and presents difficulties for batters. The pace-friendly conditions result in a modest average score, requiring batters to exhibit discipline to post a competitive total.
Weather:
With no chance of rain and the temperature expected to hover in the early 20s (°C), we are in for a complete game of cricket. It should be a pleasant day with light winds, partly cloudy skies, and 78% humidity.
Fantasy playing XI:
Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Suzie Bates, Sophia Dunkley, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Devine, Melie Kerr, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell
Match details:
Date – June 26, 2024
Time – 5:30 PM IST
Venue – Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.