While the Indian men's cricket team is playing a Test series in England, the Indian women's cricket team is also performing well on their tour of England.
Sports News: The much-awaited three-match ODI series between the Indian and English women's cricket teams is set to begin on July 16th. Prior to this, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a 15-member squad for the series against the Indian women's team. This team sees the b return of experienced bowler Sophie Ecclestone, while young batter Maia Bouchier has also been given a chance.
After losing the T20 series 2-0, England managed a comeback in the third match, but in the ODI format, the team wants to enter the field keeping its old experience and balance in mind.
Sophie Ecclestone's Return
The biggest relief for England is that left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone has returned to the ODI team. Ecclestone had taken a break from the recent series against the West Indies, but now she is fully fit and is considered a trump card against a b batting lineup like India. Ecclestone is counted among the most dangerous spin bowlers in the world, and her experience could prove to be a game-changer for England.
Nat Sciver-Brunt's fitness a concern, but return expected
England's regular captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt, has been out of the last three matches of the T20 series. She was seen struggling with a back injury. However, the ECB hopes that she will be fit to play before the ODI series. Her return will strengthen both England's batting and middle-over bowling. If Sciver is not fit, the captaincy could once again fall on the shoulders of Heather Knight, who is also a senior player in the team.
Young batter Maia Bouchier, who was included in the team in place of Nat Sciver in the T20 series, has impressed the selectors. For this reason, she has also been given a place in the ODI squad. Bouchier's aggressive batting and better fielding could make her a potential X-factor for England.
India-England ODI Series Schedule
- First ODI: July 16, 2025 – Southampton
- Second ODI: July 19, 2025 – Lord's
- Third ODI: July 22, 2025 – Chester-le-Street
England's 15-member Women's Team
Nat Sciver-Brunt (Captain), M Arlott, Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb, Tammy Beaumont (wicketkeeper), Amy Jones (wicketkeeper), Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Alice Davidson Richards, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Linsey Smith, and Lauren Bell.
