As England approach their fourth fixture in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, the mood within the camp remains buoyant. Led by Nat Sciver‑Brunt, England have looked clinical across three commanding victories, by 10 wickets against South Africa, four wickets against Bangladesh, and an emphatic 89‑run triumph over Sri Lanka. For 21‑year‑old batting all‑rounder Alice Capsey, who finds herself on her first international tour in the subcontinent, the journey so far has been as valuable as it has been transformative.
“Yeah, thanks, it’s been a sort of an amazing start, that’s for sure. I’ve learnt a lot, especially with the extreme conditions,” Capsey said in her pre‑match press conference. “We’ve got some amazing senior pros who especially play spin brilliantly, so just picking their brains and having lots of conversations around training, it’s been amazing and yeah, really enjoying my first experience.”
Her words reflect the adaptability required as players navigate spin‑friendly surfaces and draining humidity in India and Sri Lanka. While England has managed to thrive, they face yet another stern test against Pakistan, a side capable of unsettling opponents with their tricky spin attack, led by Fatima Sana.
Capsey credited Sciver‑Brunt’s leadership and recent century against Sri Lanka, 117 off 117 balls, for enriching the team’s collective mindset. “Yeah, obviously, what a special innings from her the other day. She’s spoken a lot about what her method was, which is great to be able to get those insights into what she’s thinking. We actually play another game in Colombo, and have two games on the bounce, it’s great to then go into the next game with a bit more information and have a clearer plan.”
England’s focus remains steadfast: maintaining their momentum amid sizzling conditions and tactical spin challenges that demand precision. “We’ve seen from Pakistan so far that they’ve been involved in some really exciting cricket. So just making sure that we are very specific with our plans to each individual bowler,” Capsey explained. “With the extreme conditions, it’s about kind of what our best options are to each spinner and really trusting that.”
While England’s balance and depth continue to be their hallmark, Capsey acknowledged emerging patterns within the tournament’s batting trends. “Yeah, that’s been a bit of a trend so far, the top-order hasn’t quite fired, and it’s taken the middle and lower order to scratch together a score. I think we bat so deep, the depth in our squad is incredible,” she said. “We’ve spoken a lot as a group about when it’s your day, making the most of it, and those partnerships around it. Can we make them from 20s and 30s to 50s and 60s?”
Capsey’s measured approach captures the relaxed yet determined tone coursing through the England dressing room. With three wins and a growing sense of rhythm, the team’s pursuit of a semi‑final spot looks increasingly tangible. Her own contributions, 20 runs and three wickets from two innings, reflect steady all‑round progress alongside a formidable bowling unit. Sophie Ecclestone’s devastating 10‑3‑17‑4 spell against Sri Lanka underlined England’s mastery of conditions, while Linsey Smith and Charlie Dean have chipped in consistently, each with six wickets to their name.
Meanwhile, Pakistan finds themselves teetering, having lost three successive games. Their batting frailties remain glaring, particularly in the sluggish Khettarama conditions that have accentuated their struggle for momentum. Muneeba Ali’s form will be crucial if they are to arrest the slide and mount any meaningful resistance against a confident England attack.
For Capsey and her teammates, though, the objective is clear: maintain the winning culture and ensure the lessons learned on subcontinental soil convert into lasting results. England’s blend of youth and experience continues to flourish, and as Capsey settles into her first major tournament in Asia, her growing assurance echoes that of her side, adaptable, composed, and primed for bigger battles ahead.
Loves all things female cricket