Less than three weeks before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 begins, hosts England coach Charlotte Edwards admits one major question still remains unanswered — who exactly makes her best XI.
England head into the global tournament carrying momentum after securing an impressive 2-1 T20I series victory over New Zealand, finishing strongly with a commanding seven-wicket win in Hove. The bowling unit delivered a statement performance in the decider, dismissing the White Ferns for just 80 and reinforcing England’s credentials as one of the favourites heading into the home World Cup.
Stand-in captain Charlie Dean and all-rounder Dani Gibson both picked up three wickets in the final game, while left-arm spinner Linsey Smith finished as Player of the Series after taking six wickets across the three matches. Yet despite the encouraging performances, England’s batting order remains a puzzle.
Injuries and absences have complicated preparations, particularly with captain Nat Sciver-Brunt unavailable throughout the New Zealand series because of a calf injury. Experienced opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge also missed the fixtures following the birth of her first child, creating opportunities for younger players to press their claims. Alice Capsey and Freya Kemp were among those who impressed during the series, adding further competition to an already crowded race for top-order positions.
The increased depth has created welcome selection pressure, but Edwards acknowledged finalising combinations remains a work in progress. “I absolutely don’t know my best XI at the moment,” Edwards told BBC Sport.
The former England captain believes competition for places is strengthening the squad rather than creating uncertainty. “But what players are doing is putting their hand up all the time. There’s certainly different combinations that we want to look at,” Edwards said. The emergence of multiple options across departments has become one of England’s biggest positives ahead of the tournament. While Edwards appears comfortable with the makeup of her bowling attack, batting combinations continue to evolve as players push for World Cup selection.
The return of Wyatt-Hodge for England’s upcoming three-match T20I series against India should provide greater clarity. However, uncertainty remains around Sciver-Brunt’s fitness as England continue managing the recovery of one of the world’s premier all-rounders. Despite her captain’s lack of match practice, Edwards has little concern over whether Sciver-Brunt will be ready when England begin their World Cup campaign. “If there’s any person in world cricket you don’t mind having the lack of cricket she’s had, it’s Nat,” Edwards said.
England’s recent performances have also highlighted growing squad depth — an area the side hopes becomes a major advantage during a demanding tournament. The victory over New Zealand came without Sciver-Brunt, Wyatt-Hodge and pace bowler Lauren Bell, who was rested for the third game, yet England still comfortably outplayed the reigning world champions. That resilience may ultimately matter more than finding a settled XI immediately.
“That’s been the most pleasing thing – we’ve got this depth in our squad now and we’ve just beaten the world champions, so we are really, really chuffed,” Edwards said.
England enters the Women’s T20 World Cup carrying expectations and genuine title ambitions. The final combinations may still be taking shape, but if recent performances are any indication, Edwards has perhaps found herself facing the kind of selection headache every coach wants; too many players making strong cases to play.
(Quotes sourced from BBC Sport)
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