The County Ground, New Road, Worcester, will host the national women’s teams of England and New Zealand for the 2nd One-Day International (ODI) of the ongoing 3-match bilateral series on the 30th of June 2024, at 3:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST). With hosts England securing an early lead in the ODI series, the visitors face a must-win task in their forthcoming games.
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, Tammy Beaumont, 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:
Heather Knight
The 33-year-old middle-order batter, from 134 ODI outings, has amassed 3895 runs at an average of 36.40, and has also been handy with the ball, scalping 56 wickets from 59 innings, registering bests of 106 and 5/26. Heather last scored an ODI fifty back in July last year, and in her previous two series, she registered scores of 12, 37, 31, 29, and 12. It’ll be hoped she produces a big knock, converting her starts.
Sophie Ecclestone
The 25-year-old left-arm off-spinner, averaging 20.66 and maintaining an economy rate of 3.67, has struck 103 wickets from 64 ODIs, registering a best of 6/36, while also being handy with the bat. Sophia hasn’t been required much with the bat, and her bowling returns from her previous 3 outings read 3/26, 3/15, and 2/28. Given her form, she’ll be relied upon for breakthroughs.
Georgia Plimmer
The 20-year-old middle-order batter, from 12 ODI outings, has accumulated 141 runs with a highest score of 29 coming in this series opener. Georgia had a promising ’23-24 domestic season, with her standout knock being a majestic 147. However, she has failed to replicate this form in international cricket despite receiving considerable backing thus far. It remains to be seen if she can build on the start she has had.
Sophie Devine
The 34-year-old all-rounder in ODIs, from 132 outings, has racked up 3789 runs at an average of 31.84, and from 119 innings, she has picked up 101 wickets, with best figures of 145 and 3/24. Sophie, in the series opener, departed for 13 (14) and returned figures of 0/18 (2). In a previous innings, also against England on home soil, she scored a solid 100* and will be counted on for the goods.
Pitch:
The center wicket at the Worcester County Ground offers a balanced playing surface. While the conditions are conducive for batting, the average score in the 240s hints at just enough assistance for bowlers, particularly pacers, to exploit.
Weather:
Worcester promises ideal conditions for a complete game of cricket with no expected rain despite cloudy skies. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 17°C, with light winds and humidity of 64%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Tammy Beaumont, Suzie Bates, Sophia Dunkley, Georgia Plimmer, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Devine, Melie Kerr, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone
Match details:
Date – June 30, 2024
Time – 3:30 PM IST
Venue – The County Ground, New Road, Worcester
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.