Fielding Woes and Missed Opportunities Leave England Searching for Answers. England Women's cricket team is facing increased scrutiny after a 2-1 ODI series defeat to India, with questions being raised not just from pundits but from within their own ranks, most notably, former fast bowler Katherine Sciver-Brunt. Following a 13-run loss in the decider at Durham, Sciver-Brunt, now a broadcaster, publicly challenged the team’s discipline and desire, comments that have sparked considerable debate and drawn a firm response from current players and management.

“It looks lazy and like they don’t care” – Katherine Sciver-Brunt

Katherine, England’s leading ODI wicket-taker and wife of current captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, didn’t hold back during her commentary on BBC Test Match Special. She questioned whether all players were fully committed to the cause, suggesting some performances came across as lacking intent or intensity.

“To me, it looks lazy and like they don’t care,” she said. “It came across to me as bad attitude and no discipline. I don’t think everyone is doing everything they possibly can.” While she acknowledged that this wasn’t the case for every player, the former Pacer’s critique pointed to a wider issue: mental strength and internal fight. She called on the side to be more expressive, courageous, and front-footed in pressure situations.

Nat Sciver-Brunt Responds: “Everyone is committed.”

Speaking after the match, Nat Sciver-Brunt defended her players, stressing that what may seem like apathy from the outside doesn’t reflect what goes on internally. “I know everyone on that pitch is committed to doing the best they can for England,” she said. “I’ve been put in that situation before when I was younger ‘She looks so relaxed. Maybe she doesn’t care, but that’s not what’s happening inside.”

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Nat’s own innings of 98 off 105 deliveries, in a record-chase attempt that fell just short, exemplified the kind of fight and resilience that she believes the team still possesses. The latest defeat adds to a growing concern about England's fielding and on-field composure. Fielding errors were prevalent throughout the multi-format summer, notably during the Ashes and the T20 World Cup last year. Six dropped catches in a recent T20I at The Oval reignited questions around focus and sharpness.

In the final ODI, England's chase of 319 faltered despite a 162-run partnership between Nat and Emma Lamb. Missed lbw reviews and another scrappy fielding display didn’t help their cause. India’s win, built on Harmanpreet Kaur’s hundred and Kranti Goud’s six-wicket haul, sealed the series and raised fresh alarms just 10 weeks out from the ODI World Cup.

Edwards Backs Players as Off-Field Distractions Mount

Head coach Charlotte Edwards came to the team's defence, firmly backing the squad's professionalism and unity. “I couldn’t be happier with where the squad’s at, in terms of their attitude and effort,” she said. “That was something I made clear when I came into this role, and I’ve seen that reflected in how the group operates.” Edwards, who shares a long history with Katherine Sciver-Brunt as former teammates, acknowledged the external criticism but stood by her current players.

The England camp also had to deal with off-field noise involving Sophie Ecclestone and former spinner Alex Hartley. Ecclestone clarified she had opted not to do a Sky Sports interview with Hartley to focus on her warm-up routine months after Hartley said she had been “given the cold shoulder” following critical comments she made about England’s fitness last year.

Managing Director Clare Connor addressed that controversy post-Ashes, stressing the importance of media engagement and professionalism under growing public scrutiny. “As professional women’s cricket has developed, that scrutiny is something that we all have to embrace and accept,” Connor said.

With the 50-over World Cup in India on the horizon, England now have to improve its tactics, but also contend with perceptions about their mental fortitude and togetherness as a team. Questions will continue to surround their on-field intent, leadership approach, and tension between being calm and aggressive. England’s World Cup campaign in India could be critical not only for results but to quiet the distractions that now surround them from their own dressroom and outside.

The three-match ODI series between England and India women is tied at 1-1, as the focus is on the decider at Chester-le-Street in Durham. The tourists gained the opening victory of the series before the home side made a strong return during the second fixture at Lord’s. Thanks to some of their standout performances, they have received great rankings in the ICC women’s player ranks.

Deepti Sharma was one of the best movers in the ICC batting rankings after her undefeated knock of 62 runs in the first game, which earned her the Player of the Match award during a successful chase of 259. She carried another unbeaten 30 in the second game to climb up 10 spots to No. 23 in the batting rankings.

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Sophia Dunkley’s 83 runs in just 92 balls in the first 50-over clash played a key role in getting them to a great spot, and that earned her a jump of 24 places to No. 52. The left-handed opening batter of the tourist, Smriti Mandhana, remained steady at the top, shouldering on 28 and 42 in the first two games maintaining her rating of 727.

Deepti Sharma and Sophia Dunkley get promotions in ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings

In case of the bowling rankings, the England spinner, Sophie Ecclestone, has strengthened her position at the top with four wickets in the series so far, including a player of the match performance of 3/27 at Lord’s. Her rating jumped to 776 from 746. That extends her distance and lead over Australia’s duo of Ashleigh Gardner and Megan Schutt.  

The finger spinners have dominated the series so far with England’s Charlie Dean and India’s Sneh Rana picking up three wickets each. The former broke into the top 10, with a climb of two places to number nine with a career-best rating of 625. Rana jumped 12 spots to number 21, scoring her best rating of 515.

In case of the ICC Women’s all-rounder Rankings, Dean made progress to joint 14th alongside Ellyse Perry. Ecclestone’s quickfire knock of unbeaten 23 runs in 19 balls in Southampton with four wickets in the series helped her to get to the 18th spot in the all-rounders list.

England Women bounced back strongly to level the three-match ODI series with a comprehensive 8-wicket win (DLS method) over India Women in the second ODI at Lord’s, London. The match, reduced to 29 overs per side due to persistent rain, saw England dominate with both ball and bat. Deciding to bowl first, the hosts went for a spin-heavy attack that totally dominated India's innings, restricting them to 143/8. Sophie Ecclestone was at the forefront and picked up three important wickets. In response, England’s top order laid a strong foundation before rain interrupted play again at 102/1. The revised DLS target was set at 115 runs in 24 overs, which the hosts chased down with ease in just 21 overs. With the series now level at 1-1, the stage is set for a thrilling decider.

India Women Innings: 143/8 in 29 Overs

India made a shaky start after Em Arlott bowled Pratika Rawal for just 3 in a wicket-maiden. Smriti Mandhana tried to anchor the innings with a well-compiled 42 off 51 balls, including five boundaries. On the other hand, the regular fall of wickets impeded India's run chase. Harleen Deol and Harmanpreet Kaur went down cheaply. Sophie Ecclestone brought the game further in her side's favor by a brilliant bowling performance in which she got three batsmen out in a row very quickly. Deepti Sharma was not out with 30, and Arundhati Reddy chipped in with 14 to push the total past 140. Tight spells from Linsey Smith (2/28) and Arlott (2/26) ensured India couldn’t accelerate late.

England Women Innings: 116/2 in 21 Overs (Target: 115 in 24 Overs)

England came out attacking, with Tammy Beaumont hitting five crisp boundaries in her 34 off 35 balls. Amy Jones anchored the chase confidently, compiling an unbeaten 46 off 57 balls while rotating the strike well. The openers added 68 before Beaumont was trapped lbw by Sneh Rana. Nat Sciver-Brunt added 21 before being bowled by Kranti Goud, just before rain interrupted play at 102/1. Once play resumed, England needed just 13 more runs and chased the revised target comfortably. Sophia Dunkley finished it off with two boundaries in the 21st over.

ENG W vs IND W, 2nd ODI: Key Moments

• Em Arlott’s opening wicket-maiden set the tone, removing Pratika Rawal early.
  
• Sophie Ecclestone’s 3-wicket haul dismantled India’s middle order with class and control.
  
• Deepti Sharma’s unbeaten 30 ensured India posted a fighting total despite regular collapses.
  
• Tammy Beaumont’s aggressive start put England ahead of the required rate early in the chase.
  
• Amy Jones’ composed 46* guided England smoothly through the revised chase.
  
• Sophia Dunkley’s two fours sealed the match and brought the series level at 1-1.

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ENG W vs IND W, 2nd ODI: Match Scorecard

India Women Innings – 143/8 (29 Overs)

England Women Innings – 116/2 (21 Overs) Target: 115 in 24 Overs

England women have named their squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against India later this month, as Nat Sciver-Brunt is expected to take a full part in the format after missing the last couple of T20Is due to a groin injury. She suffered the injury in the second clash, but the selectors are optimistic about their captain’s fitness for the opening clash on July 16 at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

Sophie Ecclestone, who missed the West Indies ODIs early in the season recovering from the injury, replaces leg spinner Sarah Glenn in the squad. Hampshire’s Maia Bouchier, who got a T20I squad call-up last week, is also back in contention. Lauren Filer, who averaged 76 mph in bowling the fastest record over in women’s cricket, has also been included.

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It will be a tough task for the home side after their series defeats. They showed a tense fight after dropping the first two games, which pleased the new head coach, Charlotte Edwards, who sees the ODI series as another test for the side’s credentials to rebuild. Their focus is now on the future after disappointments at the T20 World Cup and the Ashes last winter.

England women announce experienced squad for India series

Coach Charlotte Edwards feels that the T20I series pushed them as a unit. “We knew they would, and we've learned a lot about the team in the three games so far. There have been some good moments, but we're a team in transition and we need to keep working hard to do what we're trying to do more consistently, and for longer.” He addressed the media.

“The squad has largely stayed the same since the ODI series against West Indies, but Soph [Ecclestone] comes back into the side, meaning Sarah Glenn misses out this time around. We've also added Maia Bouchier to bolster our batting line-up and continue to offer competition for places.” He reflected on this series being the perfect preparation for the upcoming Women’s World Cup in India this autumn. The second fixture of the series will take place on July 19 at Lord’s before the action heads to Chester-Le-Street on July 22.

England Women's ODI squad against India

Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain), Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Alice Davidson-Richards, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith

In the opening T20I against India, the England women's team was penalized for maintaining a slow over rate. The hosts were found to be two overs short of the target after accounting for time allowances. As a result, the team incurred a fine amounting to 10 percent of their match fees. The disciplinary action followed a crushing 97-run defeat against India, their largest loss in T20 Internationals.

England lost the toss at Nottingham and opted to bowl first, a decision they instantly regretted after India claimed an imposing 210/5, an impressive maiden T20I century from Smriti Mandhana. With this win, India has taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. The Indian opener’s fireworks left England scrambling, both with the ball and in terms of over-rate compliance.

As per Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, teams are docked five percent of their match fee for every over they fall short. The match officials—on-field umpires Jacqueline Williams and James Middlebrook, third umpire Sue Redfern, and fourth umpire Anna Harris—brought the charge, which England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt accepted without protest.

Sciver-Brunt Accepts Sanction, Avoids Hearing

The match referee, Helen Pack of the Emirates ICC International Panel, imposed the sanction after England admitted to the offense. As Sciver-Brunt agreed to the sought penalty, there was no need for an official hearing, and the matter was resolved expeditiously.

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England will now look to respond in the second T20I, which is on 01 July in Bristol. After such a significant loss and disciplinary setback, the team faces mounting pressure to deliver a stronger performance against a confident Indian side.

England Women have announced a 15-player squad for their coming ODI and T20I series against West Indies Women, which will commence on May 23, 2025, in Barbados. The three ODIs and three T20Is, spread over Barbados, Antigua, and St. Lucia as part of the tour, which was announced on May 14, 2025, present a valuable chance for both teams to acclimatize to the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup later in the year. Under the leadership of Captain Heather Knight, England wants to capitalize on their 2-1 ODI series victory over South Africa earlier this year.

The team has a healthy blend of experience and youth, and Knight is accompanied by vice-captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, whose all-round contribution will be critical. The batting unit boasts Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, and Sophia Dunkley, while Amy Jones and Kate Cross provide wicketkeeping and pace, respectively. Spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Sarah Glenn, both of whom feature in the top 10 of the ICC Women's T20I rankings, provide strength to the bowling line-up. Up-and-coming all-rounder Freya Kemp, who made a good impression during the 2024 T20 World Cup, returns from a minor injury, reflecting England's desire to promote young talent.

West Indies Women, under Hayley Matthews, will seek to make use of home conditions to challenge England. Matthews' recent record—312 runs in the 2024 T20 World Cup—and a well-balanced bowling attack with the likes of Shamilia Connell and Afy Fletcher ensure the series is tight. England will, however, be without Lauren Bell, who is out of action due to a calf strain, but that gives uncapped pacer Issy Wong an opportunity to steal the limelight.

England Women's Team for West Indies Tour

Squad: Heather Knight (c), Nat Sciver-Brunt (vc), Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Sophia Dunkley, Amy Jones (wk), Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Freya Kemp, Charlie Dean, Bess Heath, Danielle Wyatt, Issy Wong, Linsey Smith.

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The series gets underway with the first ODI in Barbados on May 23 and T20Is from May 29, providing the stage for a thrilling battle between two battling teams.

Former England skipper Charlotte Edwards has been appointed as England Women's cricket team head coach, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Tuesday (April 1). Edwards, who represented England in more than 300 games and was captain of the team for a decade, succeeds Jon Lewis after England's embarrassing 16-0 Ashes whitewash against Australia earlier this year.

A Return to the Three Lions

"I am thrilled to be back as part of the England Women's cricket team leadership, and I am not looking forward to taking this team forward and pushing us to success," Edwards said. "It means the world to me to have the three lions on my chest again. Being captain of England was my life for 10 years, and I will always be passionate about this team and our heritage. We have such a great bunch of players, and I am looking forward to working with them and developing them as individuals and as a team."

Her immediate challenge will be two home series against West Indies and India, followed by the ICC Women’s World Cup in India later this year and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at home in 2026. She will also be responsible for restoring team morale after England’s recent poor performances, including their unexpected group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in the UAE last October.

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A Decorated Career On and Off the Field

Through her 20-year career on the field, Edwards was a two-time World Cup and five-time Ashes series winner. Since retiring in 2017, she has lived a life of tremendous success as a coach. She took Mumbai Indians to two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles in three seasons and took Southern Vipers to five titles, two of which were in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, England's domestic T20 competition named for her.

Her coaching record also features taking Southern Brave to three Women's Hundred finals, claiming victory in 2023, and taking Sydney Sixers to the final of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) for 2022-23. Edwards will now leave her position with the Sixers and Hampshire Women.

ECB Supports a "Proven Winner"

ECB deputy CEO and England Women's cricket managing director Clare Connor welcomed Edwards' appointment: "She has the experience, passion, and expertise to take this team to success. The results she has achieved as a head coach in various environments since retiring as one of the greatest-ever England players is a relentless and high standard."

Connor also recognized Edwards's extensive understanding of the game at home and abroad and stressed the need to create a competitive but also supportive atmosphere for the national team.

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Transition in Leadership and Challenges Ahead

Edwards' appointment comes as England changes leadership, with Heather Knight retiring as captain. The ECB has not yet announced her replacement, although vice-captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is the favorite to take over.

On Wednesday, Edwards and Connor will speak to the media at Lord's to set out their vision for England Women's cricket. With the growing professionalization of the women's game and the recent struggles of England, Edwards is likely to introduce more stringent fitness and performance requirements to restore the team's competitive swagger.

As England prepares for a key stage in women's cricket, including the possibility of the sport being added to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Edwards' appointment promises a new dawn. The ECB will expect that her record as a player and coach is replicated internationally.

England's women's cricket team is gearing up to reclaim their fearless brand of cricket as they embark on a multi-format series against South Africa following their disappointing early exit from the T20 World Cup. Danni Wyatt-Hodge, one of England’s senior players, remains optimistic about the team’s ability to bounce back and reestablish their dominance on the international stage.

England shrug off T20 World Cup criticism

England’s unexpected group-stage exit at the hands of West Indies drew widespread criticism, with media and former players questioning the team’s performance. However, Wyatt-Hodge was quick to dismiss the negativity, stating that one subpar performance does not define the team’s potential.

"We haven’t become a bad side in eight overs," Wyatt-Hodge said, reflecting on the crucial moments in their loss. She emphasized that the team remains united and focused on improvement, choosing to channel the criticism into motivation for the series against South Africa.

A renewed focus on fearless cricket

England’s hallmark of fearless cricket, a style that has brought them significant success in recent years, will be the cornerstone of their strategy in the upcoming matches. Wyatt-Hodge expressed confidence in the team’s ability to return to their aggressive and entertaining style.

“We’ve played some outstanding cricket over the years, and we’re excited to get back to what we do best,” she said. “We just want to enjoy our game and focus on playing with fearlessness.”

South Africa, runners-up in the T20 World Cup, present a formidable challenge for England. With key players like Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka rested, South Africa has introduced several young talents, making the series an unpredictable affair.

“They’ve got some outstanding players like Chloe Tryon and Laura Wolvaardt, but also some unfamiliar faces,” Wyatt-Hodge noted. “It’s going to be fun and challenging to face them in their conditions.”

England’s pace bowler Lauren Filer could be a key player in the series, with conditions in South Africa expected to favor her aggressive style. Wyatt-Hodge praised Filer’s progress, calling her “a handful” for batters in training and on the field.

Building momentum for the Ashes

While the series against South Africa is significant, it also serves as crucial preparation for the Ashes tour of Australia in January. Wyatt-Hodge acknowledged the importance of using this series to build momentum and refine their strategies.

“This series is massive for us. We want to showcase our skills and demonstrate how good we are,” she said. She also highlighted the team’s efforts to inspire younger players, emphasizing the role of senior players in leading by example.

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The tour will conclude with a historic one-off Test match in Bloemfontein on December 15. Wyatt-Hodge expressed her enthusiasm for the format, reflecting on the unique challenges and prestige of Test cricket.

“Playing a Test match is always special,” she said. “It’s such a different challenge, and it’s great preparation for the Ashes.”

England Women clinched a crucial seven-wicket win against South Africa Women in the final-over thriller of the Group B match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. 

After South Africa Women chose to bat first, they scored 124/6 in 20 overs. England Women successfully chased the target in 19.2 overs after losing three wickets. 

Stable opening partnership

South Africa had a stable opening partnership of 31 runs between the captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits. At the end of the powerplay, South Africa Women scored 37/1 as Brits lost her wicket after scoring 13 runs. 

Bosch struggled; no boundary between 7th and 13th overs

While Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch had a 40-run partnership for the second wicket, Bosch struggled to move the scoreboard quickly. After the powerplay to 13th over, South Africa failed to hit one boundary.

After Bosch was out for 18 off 26 balls, Sophie Ecclestone bowled the opponent skipper Wolvaardt for 42 off 39 balls.

Star bowler Ecclestone, Kapp and Dercksen fought hard at the end

Marizanne Kapp (26 off 17 balls) and Annerie Dercksen (20 not out off 11 balls) played some useful innings to take the total to the challenging position. In the last four overs, South Africa Women scored 35 runs. 

Among the English bowlers, Sophie Ecclestone was exceptional, as she finished with the bowling figures of 4-0-15-2.

Slow start from England Women

In reply, England had a slow start while the opener Maia Bouchier was dismissed for eight runs in 20 balls. At the end of the powerplay, England Women scored 28/1.

Wyatt-Hodge and Sciver-Brunt successfully controlled the chasing

Although Alice Capsey had good intent, she was dismissed for 19 runs. But the other opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Nat Sciver-Brunt controlled the game very well. They had a 64-run partnership for the third wicket.

While Wyatt-Hodge scored run-a-ball 43 runs, Sciver-Brunt batted till securing England Women’s important win. In the last over, England Women required four runs. After Ayabonga Khaka delivered a dot ball on the first ball, Sciver-Brunt ended the game on the second delivery with a boundary. Sciver-Brunt remained not out for 48 off 36 balls. 

Inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup champions, England Women started their campaign in the ninth edition with a 21-run win against the tough Bangladesh Women. 

After choosing to bat first at Sharjah, England Women scored 118/7 in 20 overs. However, Bangladesh Women's batters failed to reply strongly as they were restricted to 97/7 in 20 overs. 

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English openers provided a solid start

England opening batters Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt-Hodge set up a strong start as England Women scored 47/0 at the end of the powerplay. 

Bangladesh bowlers made a great comeback

After the end of the powerplay, Bangladesh made a great comeback by picking up regular wickets. Opener Maia Boucher scored 23 off 18 balls with three boundaries, while Wyatt-Hodge scored 41 off 40 balls with five fours. The next English batters failed to scare the Bangladesh side.

Incredible bowling continued in the final overs

England Women managed only one four and one six in the last four overs of the innings. They added only 27 runs in the final four overs. Apart from the openers, only Amy Jones (12*) reached the double-digit mark in that innings.

Bangladesh bowlers Nahida Akter (2/32), Fahima Khatun (2/18), and Ritu Moni (2/24) took two wickets each, while Rabeya Khan (1/15) picked up the other wicket.

A tough powerplay for Bangladesh

Bangladesh Women scored 20/2 at the end of the powerplay. Both the openers, Dilara Akter (7) and Shathi Rani (6) were dismissed in the single digits. 

Sobhana Mostary had no support

Sobhana Mostary fought bravely, but she hardly had any support in that low chase. She had a 35-run partnership with the skipper Nigar Sultana for the third wicket, but it wasn't enough as Sultana departed for 15 runs. Mostary was the other batter with a double-digit score in that innings, as her 44 off 48 balls only took them to closer the target.

Among the English bowlers, Linsey Smith (2/11) and Charlie Dean (2/22) took two wickets each. Also, Nat Sciver-Brunt (1/20) and Sarah Glenn (1/22) got one wicket each.