Ireland are gearing up to host England for an exciting 6-match white-ball Women series, featuring three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) followed by three T20 Internationals (T20Is). The series is set to begin with the ODI leg, starting on September 7 in Belfast. With both teams looking to make a mark, this series promises to bring competitive cricket to the fore.

A new-look England squad

England heads into the series with a slightly different squad than usual, as several senior players have been rested. Notably absent from the squad are regular skipper Heather Knight, all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, and other key figures such as Maia Bouchier, Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, and Sarah Glenn. Their absence presents an opportunity for new faces to step up and shine on the international stage.

Kate Cross to lead

The England squad for this series features a younger and relatively inexperienced group of players. However, with the experienced Kate Cross at the helm as captain, England still retains some firepower. Cross, a seasoned bowler with ample leadership experience, will be crucial in guiding the younger players through the challenges of international cricket.

England’s youthful promise

While the squad lacks some of the regular stars, it is filled with promising young talents eager to make their mark. Players like Bess Heath, Freya Kemp, and Isy Wong have shown potential in the recent past, and this series offers them a platform to showcase their abilities in the international arena. England’s selection reflects a clear focus on nurturing the next generation of cricketers, allowing them valuable game time and experience.

Players to watch out for in England squad

Tammy Beaumont: Beaumont is one of the most consistent performers in England’s batting lineup. As an experienced opener, her ability to build innings and adapt to different match situations makes her a key player. She will be vital in providing strong starts for England throughout the series.

Emma Lamb: Lamb’s versatility as an all-rounder makes her a crucial player for England. As an opening batter who can also contribute with the ball, Lamb has the potential to influence games on multiple fronts. Her ability to balance both roles will be essential for England’s success.

Freya Kemp: Kemp brings a dynamic presence to the team with her left-arm pace and explosive batting. As a young all-rounder, she is one of England’s rising stars, capable of turning the game around with both ball and bat. Kemp’s performances will be closely watched as she looks to establish herself further in the team.

Isy Wong: Wong’s express pace and aggressive bowling style make her an exciting prospect for England. Known for her ability to trouble batters with bounce and pace, she will be a key figure in the bowling attack. Wong’s knack for taking early wickets can set the tone for England in the series.

Hannah Baker: As a young leg-spinner, Baker has shown a lot of promise with her ability to take wickets in the middle overs. Her variations and skill make her a player to watch, especially in conditions that favor spin. Baker’s ability to control the game with her spin will be crucial for England’s bowling strategy.

Also READ: Here is why England players will miss the latter stages of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024

England Women’s top-choice playing XI for the ODI series against Ireland

1. Tammy Beaumont

Role: Opening batter.
Strength: Consistency and experience at the top of the order. Beaumont is known for her ability to anchor the innings and rotate the strike effectively while accelerating when needed.
Expectations: As the senior-most batter, Beaumont is expected to provide stability and lead from the front with big scores.

2. Bess Heath

Role: Wicketkeeper-batter.
Strength: Dynamic wicketkeeper-batter who can score quickly, especially in the middle and lower order.
Expectations: Heath is expected to offer valuable runs down the order and maintain sharp work behind the stumps.

3. Emma Lamb

Role: All-rounder (Opening batter and off-spin bowler).
Strength: Versatile all-rounder with the ability to provide solid starts with the bat and chip in with important overs.
Expectations: Lamb is expected to contribute with both bat and ball, setting the tone at the top and breaking partnerships with her off-spin.

4. Bryony Smith

Role: All-rounder (Batter and off-spin bowler).
Strength: Powerful striker of the ball with useful off-spin bowling that can be effective in the middle overs.
Expectations: Smith is expected to play a dual role, adding firepower to the batting lineup and providing breakthroughs with the ball.

5. Mady Villiers

Role: All-rounder (Lower-order batter and off-spin bowler).
Strength: Agile fielder and impactful spinner with the ability to turn the game with her bowling.
Expectations: Villiers is expected to be a key figure in the middle overs with her off-spin and provide stability in the lower order if needed.

6. Freya Kemp

Role: All-rounder (Fast bowler and lower-order batter).
Strength: Left-arm pacer with the ability to swing the ball and contribute with explosive batting.
Expectations: Kemp is expected to make vital contributions with both ball and bat, especially in tight situations.

7. Hollie Armitage

Role: Middle-order batter.
Strength: Technically sound batter with the ability to play long innings and stabilize the middle order.
Expectations: Armitage is expected to hold the middle order together and convert starts into big scores.

8. Kate Cross (c)

Role: Captain and pace bowler.
Strength: Reliable seamer with leadership qualities and the ability to lead by example on the field.
Expectations: As captain, Cross is expected to manage her bowlers effectively, provide breakthroughs, and lead the team with her experience.

9. Isy Wong

Role: Fast bowler.
Strength: Express pace with the ability to generate bounce and trouble batters with her aggressive approach.
Expectations: Wong is expected to be the enforcer in the bowling attack, taking early wickets and bowling with pace and intent.

10. Lauren Filer

Role: Fast bowler.
Strength: Tall, fast bowler who can extract bounce and seam movement, making her a threat in any conditions.
Expectations: Filer is expected to complement the pace attack and make inroads with the new ball.

11. Hannah Baker

Role: Leg-spin bowler.
Strength: Skilled leg-spinner with variations that can trouble batters in the middle overs.
Expectations: Baker is expected to be a key wicket-taker in the middle overs, using her spin to disrupt the opposition’s batting plans.

Also READ: England captain Heather Knight expects quiet stands at Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in UAE

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.