New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first in the opening One-Day International (ODI) against England at Seat Unique Riverside in Durham, England. This marks the first match of a three-match series between the White Ferns and the home team.
Spinners Galore for England
England opted for a spin-heavy bowling attack, selecting all three of their frontline spinners – Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, and Charlie Dean. This strategy suggests they expect the pitch to offer assistance to the slower bowlers later in the innings. Injuries to key seamers Nat Sciver-Brunt (knee) and Kate Cross (abdominal) forced England to shuffle their pace attack. Lauren Bell and Lauren Filer will shoulder the responsibility of leading the seam bowling department.
New Zealand Welcome Back Lauren Down
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine expressed confidence in her team’s stability. The White Ferns see the return of Lauren Down to the ODI squad after a five-month absence following childbirth. Youngster Mikaela Greig, who has just one T20I appearance for New Zealand, joins Down and Eden Carson on the bench.
Sunny Start in Durham
The match commenced under bright sunshine with a comfortable temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and a gentle breeze. It’s worth noting that England emerged victorious in both the ODI (2-1) and T20I (4-1) series during their tour of New Zealand earlier this year.
Playing XIs
New Zealand: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Izzy Gaze, Hannah Rowe, Jess Kerr, Molly Penfold, Fran Jonas
England: Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Heather Knight (c), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt, Amy Jones, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell
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