Day 54: England back in ODI action

There was an element of business as usual from England against New Zealand at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch. Much had been made of England's absence from the ODI format since the end of 2019. They needn't of worried. Heather Knight's team showed that they are still one of the best teams in the world.

That isn't to say that they haven't still got things to worry about or work on. The biggest surprise was the inclusion of Tash Farrant and Freya Davies; the perceived wisdom was that either one or neither of them would play.

With a player like Kate Cross in the squad, it would have made sense that she would have supported Kathrine Brunt as one of the opening bowlers. Both Davies and Farrant started the day with a cap each. Neither looked out of place; with a busy 2022, this year is the perfect opportunity for England to fine-tune for two World Cups in different formats and the Commonwealth Games.

With more bowlers getting the experience to prove they are good enough, what about the batting line-up. It has felt like a closed shop for players outside of the contracted core. It could be argued those not in the squad haven't put enough pressure on the established batters. In last years Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, Sophie Luff and Georgia Adams will argue they have scored the runs to disprove that.

Of course, it puts pressure on the batters that are playing. While Danni Wyatt's place is relatively safe, it always feels as if someone was to make way in the top four, it would be her. That is more down to Tammy Beaumont's quality, who showed once again why she is one of the best with a knock of 71.

With captain Knight batting at three and Sciver at four and Amy Jones, the wicketkeeper, the only other slot in the top order under threat is Fran Wilson's, a fantastic fielder and an experienced player; it is hard to see where a new player would fit in.

New Zealand, you feel, have some difficult questions of their own to ask. New Zealand have now lost their last 10 ODIs, and after their display in their previous ODI, it is hard to see where their next win will happen.

It is a shame that they don't have a player of Rachel Priest's quality to call upon; with Suzie Bates also out injured, the batting looks light. Only Hayley Jensen (53) and Brooke Halliday (50) on debut contributed with runs.

Halliday was too far down the order and should have been in the top three. Too much in the New Zealand batting relies on Amy Satterthwaite and Sophie Devine. If they fail, then their side usually falls short of competitive totals.

That being said, England were outstanding in the field. They took some very good catches and put New Zealand under pressure. It was always going to be difficult from that point on.

New Zealand aren't a bad side, and they will turn things around; it just if they can do it soon enough to get something out of this series.