On the day of the third ODI, England and New Zealand should
have played each other in a World Cup group game. The cancellation of that tournament
was taken out of their hands by the ICC. If any country could hold a multi-team
competition in a global pandemic, it was New Zealand.
Women's cricket has been hit hard with COivd-19, meaning
qualifiers and bi-lateral series cancelled. Therefore, it is to New Zealand and
England's credit to organise this series of three ODIs and three T20s.
England has not played an international since September when
they comfortably beat West Indies in a T20 series. Their last ODI was in
December 2019. New Zealand had played more recently when they failed to cause
Australia too many problems. What will be to New Zealand's advantage is they
are well into their domestic season; they have been playing competitive cricket.
England is a very professional unit; they are often asked to
switch on and be competitive with little match practice. Even if you look at
their international series preparation at home, most players would have a few
county games under their belts.
What bodes well is their recent good form over New Zealand. At
the same time, New Zealand won their last ODI fixture between the two sides at
Leicester in 2018. You have to go back to 2015 for New Zealand's previous win.
Even without Suzie Bates, New Zealand has some world-class
performers and cannot be underestimated. Captain Sophie Devine has been in supreme
form in the Super Smash. She scored an unbeaten 117 in that game at Leicester.
It was a knock that had the press box on their feet. Devine is the sort of
player while you expect to perform still exceeds expectations.
While New Zealand has some great batters, they have been
able to bat consistently enough to put bowling attacks under pressure.
While it is possible to predict England's batting line-up,
the bowling attack is less secure. Kathrine Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone are
they only bowlers secure of a spot. However, Sarah Glenn is virtually guaranteed
a spot. The leg-spinner is highly thought of; her batting is also expected to
mature.
That means the remaining spots will be between Freya Davies,
Kate Cross, Tash Farrant and Mady Villiers. With Heather Knight able to bowl
off-spin, they may opt for two of the seamers. With England looking for depth behind
Brunt and Anya Shrubsloe, when free from injury, will be interested in seeing what direction they go in.
With only one ODI cap to her name, it would be the perfect
opportunity to give Davies some match time in the New Zealand games ahead of
next years World Cup.
New Zealand includes two uncapped players in batter Brook
Halliday and left-arm spinner, Fran Jonas. Both have had good domestic seasons and what better time to make your debut against the world champions.
Where New Zealand match up is in the bowling department.
Amelia Kerr, the leg-spinner, is a world-class talent, and in Leah Tahuhu, they
have a bowler that can cause England's top-order problems with her pace.
New Zealand will go into the first game full of confidence. Their
players are all match fit with recent games in the bank if they go at England
hard in the first game, and under Devine, that is a real possibility they could
win this series.
England, though have the experience and skill to win even if
they are a little undercooked.
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