More of the same
As we glance at the squad Jon Lewis has selected for the ODIs against New Zealand, you and I might think we could have chosen it with our eyes shut.
Our only doubt might have been the number of players thought sensible for the three games. In the end he plumped for fourteen, which leaves three of them to be even busier than the selected XI, rushing helmets, spare gloves and pads and refreshments on to the field at every opportunity.
Then comes the time-worn thought: is it harder to be dropped from the England team than to get into it in the first place?
As we look at the choices:
Heather Knight (captain, Western Storm), Tammy Beaumont (The Blaze), Lauren Bell (Southern Vipers), Maia Bouchier (Southern Vipers), Alice Capsey (South East Stars), Kate Cross (Thunder), Charlie Dean (Southern Vipers), Sophia Dunkley (South East Stars), Sophie Ecclestone (Thunder), Lauren Filer (Western Storm), Sarah Glenn (The Blaze), Amy Jones (Central Sparks), Nat Sciver- Brunt (The Blaze) and Danielle Wyatt (Southern Vipers)
– we might well think it’s the former. No fewer than six of the squad are over 30, and I would claim that at least two of them are fighting to retain their place. Or, to put it more bluntly, they are lucky to be retained. They are Danni Wyatt and Kate Cross.
Both have their golden moments; both are liable to have off-days, and in the case of a batter that’s bad news.
One of the most prolific bowling types at England’s disposal is the medium-quick bowler. Cross has been the number one choice ever since Katherine Sciver-Brunt and Anya Shrubsole disappeared from the scene. In her last five Charlotte Edwards Cup games, she has mustered five wickets. In her three ODIs against Pakistan she took 3-76.
Her selection means Lewis is counting on her experience and calm rather than taking a chance with one of the many contenders for her place.
One of the dangers of remaining loyal to an established group is that a number of them could all retire in a rush.
Lewis has rewarded Sophia Dunkley for her return to consistent form, which is excellent to see. But she is the only choice close to a surprise in the fourteen.
Alice Capsey has rightly been retained, though her recent showings have been in and out. It would certainly help her if she were given a regular position in the order. A 50-over match is long enough for changes in the batting order to affect a player’s performance. Less so at T20 level.
There’s even an irony in the way the names are presented, with the franchises they are attached to in brackets. Next season we will be back to good old-fashioned counties, though with that element of exclusivity that Englsh cricket is so addicted to.
This is the White Ferns’ touring party
Sophie Devine (captain), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Mikaela Greig, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe. Hayley Jensen is injured and stays at home.
England ought to win all eight matches. That’s what the rankings tell us, but Kiwi cricketers always fight above their weight, and the occasional upper-cut can be a knock-out blow.
Next we await news of Lewis’ choice for the five T20s. Will the advice remain ‘Steady as she goes! Best not to risk the ship’? Or will we see fine performances from lesser known mortals in the recent home competitions given their due reward? There have been plenty.
