Day 14: Busy day for both England teams

There was always an expectation that England’s women would be travelling to New Zealand about now. It should, of course, have been for a 50 over World Cup. World events put an end to that, but they were able to organise a tour that includes three ODIs and Three T20s against their hosts.

Also announced were the players that will represent England. The headline news being Anya Shrubsole will miss the tour through injury.

There are also recalls for Tash Farrant and Georgia Elwiss. Farrant has been unfortunate not to represent England more. With limited playing time, she eventually lost her central contract.

Farrant went back to the domestic game and was rewarded with a professional contract and the captaincy with South East Stars.  It does give hope to players outside of the core group of contracted players. With Katie George injured, it means Farrant will be the left-arm seam option.

What is rather ominous for England is the form of Sophie Divine. Only hours before England’s squad was announced raced to a 36-ball hundred in the Super Smash.

 Simply the Bess

Dom Bess put a disappointing summer behind him as England’s men got off to a brilliant start to their tour of Sri Lanka. Having won the toss, Sri Lanka chose to bat first. Bess was the first to say that he has, and will bowl better as he finished the day with figures of 5 for 30. it was just the sort of performance that could prove his worth to the team and help him kick on.

Sri Lanka’s batsman found inventive ways to get out; it will be one of Bess’s easiest five fer. Much was placed on Bess being in the team. England have shown faith, and today he helped England into a strong position.

It was never going to be the case that England would play both James Anderson and Stuart Broad in this test. Broad got the nod, and it paid off, his 3 for 20 being his best in Sri Lanka.

Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root shared an unbeaten third-wicket stand of 110. With England due to bat last on a pitch that is already spinning the expectation will be to bat all day tomorrow. If they do that there is a good job that they won’t have to bat again.