All-rounder Charlie Dean has been appointed as captain for England’s upcoming three-match ODI series against Ireland this September. Dean, who previously stepped into the leadership role during an ODI series against New Zealand while Nat Sciver-Brunt was sidelined with an injury, will now lead the team throughout this series.
The selection committee has opted to rest several established stars, including Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell, and Amy Jones, as they manage fitness and recovery. These absences provide a strategic opportunity for emerging talent to establish themselves within the 50-over setup. Notably, Alice Capsey, who served as the reserve wicketkeeper during the recent T20 World Cup, is slated to take the gloves in the absence of Jones.
The squad features new faces and returning players, with Grace Potts and Kira Chathli earning their first call-ups to the international side. Charis Pavely, who has previously appeared in two T20Is, is in contention to make her ODI debut. Additionally, Ryana MacDonald-Gay returns to the fold after recovering from a lower-back injury that hampered her last season, following a strong domestic campaign with Surrey and the Manchester Super Giants. Left-arm spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman also joins the group, aiming to build on the two ODI caps she earned against New Zealand.
Head coach Charlotte Edwards emphasized that the series serves as a vital transition back to the longer limited-overs format after a year dominated by T20 cricket. “The focus has rightly been on T20 cricket for much of this year, but with a memorable run to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final now behind us, this is a chance for players to display their 50-over skills and bank some valuable experience for the future,” Edwards stated. She added that the series is an ideal platform for talented players to push for future selection by contributing to team victories.
The England squad for the series includes: Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey (wk), Kira Chathli, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean (c), Sophia Dunkley, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Jodi Grewcock, Freya Kemp, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Charis Pavely, Grace Potts, Mady Villiers, and Issy Wong.
The three-match series is scheduled to begin on September 1 in Leicester. The second ODI will take place in Derby on September 3, with the final match of the series set for September 6 in Worcester.
