Cricket News: England Opt for Spin Trio, New Zealand Bat First in Series Opener
In the opening ODI of their three-match series against England, New Zealand have won the toss and elected to bat first at the Seat Unique Riverside in Durham.
England have chosen to field an all-spin attack, with Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, and Charlie Dean forming the crux of their bowling lineup. This decision comes as a response to the expected spin-friendly conditions on the pitch.
With Nat Sciver-Brunt unable to bowl her full allocation due to a knee issue and Kate Cross ruled out by an abdominal niggle, the seam attack will be led by Lauren Bell and Lauren Filer.
“New Zealand captain Sophie Devine described her side as ‘really settled,’ with Lauren Down and Mikaela Greig waiting in the wings as substitutes.”
The match is set to commence under glorious sunshine, with a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and a light breeze.
This series follows England’s previous successful tours of New Zealand, where they won the ODI series 2-1 and the T20Is 4-1.
New Zealand XI:
- Suzie Bates
- Georgia Plimmer
- Amelia Kerr
- Sophie Devine (capt)
- Maddy Green
- Brooke Halliday
- Izzy Gaze
- Hannah Rowe
- Jess Kerr
- Molly Penfold
- Fran Jonas
England XI:
- Tammy Beaumont
- Maia Bouchier
- Heather Knight (capt)
- Nat Sciver-Brunt
- Danni Wyatt
- Amy Jones
- Charlie Dean
- Sophie Ecclestone
- Sarah Glenn
- Lauren Filer
- Lauren Bell
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