The second women's one-day international between England and New Zealand at Northampton has been delayed due to rain, with the start pushed back repeatedly as heavy clouds hover over the County Ground. New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl first, but the match has been reduced to 32 overs per side, pending further weather interruptions.
Match Updates
After several inspections, the toss finally took place at 3:30 PM BST, with New Zealand captain Melie Kerr calling correctly and opting to chase. The game is now scheduled for a 4:00 PM start, though rain has already forced the covers back on at 3:37 PM. Earlier, the sun briefly appeared around 2:42 PM, raising hopes, but further showers have dampened spirits.
Team News
England made two changes from the first ODI, with Alice Capsey and Sophie Ecclestone replacing Jodi Grewcock and Lauren Filer. The playing XI includes Emma Lamb, Maia Bouchier, Heather Knight, Alice Capsey, Freya Kemp, Amy Jones (wk), Dani Gibson, Charlie Dean (c), Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell, and Tily Corteen-Coleman. New Zealand fielded an unchanged side: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Melie Kerr (c), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Izzy Gaze (wk), Izzy Sharp, Jess Kerr, Nensi Patel, Rosemary Mair, and Bree Illing.
Key Events
- 4:40 PM inspection scheduled if no further rain.
- Sarah Taylor appointed as England men's fielding coach for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, a historic first for a female coach working with a men's international team.
- Liam Dawson retired from first-class cricket after an outstanding career with Hampshire.
- Sonny Baker called up to the England Test squad, alongside Emilio Gay and Rehan Ahmed.
Pre-Match Context
The first ODI saw England snatch a dramatic one-wicket victory, with stand-in captain Charlie Dean scoring an unbeaten 31 to chase down 211. Teenage debutant Tilly Corteen-Coleman impressed with 2 for 49 in her 10 overs. New Zealand will be looking to level the series, but the weather remains a major factor. The forecast suggests further interruptions, adding uncertainty to the contest.
In other cricket news, the Spin newsletter highlighted Oswestry Cricket Club's unique achievement of having 10 mother-daughter pairs playing together. Meanwhile, the England men's Test squad for the summer opener against New Zealand includes several new faces, with Zak Crawley omitted.
