England, led by skipper Heather Knight, will host New Zealand, captained by Sophie Devine, from June 26 to July 17 for a white-ball series. This series features a three-match ODI series followed by a five-match T20I series. The host team has announced their ODI squad for the upcoming clash.
Earlier this year, from March 19 to April 7, New Zealand hosted England for a five-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series. England emerged victorious in both formats, winning the T20I series 4-1 and the three-match ODI series 2-1.
England recently hosted Pakistan from May 11 to May 29 comprising a three-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series. England dominated the T20Is with a 3-0 whitewash and secured the ODI series 2-0, with one match being abandoned due to rain.
The upcoming ODI series against the White Ferns will commence on June 26 in Durham, followed by the second ODI on June 30 in Worcester, and concluding on July 3 in Bristol.
Returning to the squad is opener Sophia Dunkley, who missed the last series against Pakistan. Dunkley displayed stellar form in the 1st leg of Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, 50-over domestic competition, scoring 293 runs in five matches, with a highest score of 130, averaging 97.66, and maintaining a strike rate of 83. She also made a notable contribution with the ball, taking 2 wickets for 22 runs in 4 overs against Southern Vipers.
Head coach Jon Lewis highlighted the continuity and stability of the team by retaining the same squad that concluded the recent series against Pakistan, reflecting confidence in their solid 50-over performance and consistent success over the past year and a half. He highlights the merit-based inclusion of Sophia Dunkley, whose exceptional domestic performances justified her return to the squad. Dunkley’s reintegration exemplifies the team’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding outstanding individual achievements, ensuring that the squad remains competitive and motivated by performance-driven selections.
He mentioned, “We welcomed Sophia Dunkley back into the squad at the end of the Pakistan series as her performance across the domestic game has been outstanding and she earned the right to be back in this squad through performance.”
England’s ODI squad:
Heather Knight (C), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danielle Wyatt