Alice Capsey’s stunning knock led England past defending T20 world champions New Zealand by seven wickets in Derby – but her performance may have created more questions than answers for Charlotte Edwards’ side.
Capsey’s 74no off 51 balls was her highest score in a T20 international and puts her in real contention for a starting berth with just five official matches to go before the World Cup.
But with serious star power coming back from injury and competition for places in the side set to be fierce, the 21-year-old’s performance could create a real selection headache for head coach Edwards going into a vital home tournament.
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Take a look at the best shots from Alice Capsey’s unbeaten 74 as she guided her England side to victory against New Zealand
Alice Capsey starred with the bat
Sophia Dunkley, England’s incumbent opener, was caught for 8 after three overs, and is coming off the back of an injury that kept her out of the preceding ODI series against New Zealand. Fellow top order batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge is also missing, expected back with the team after the imminent birth of her first child – leaving both in less than ideal condition on the horizon of a major tournament.
Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is also in a race against time to be fit for July’s tournament. She has already been ruled out of playing against New Zealand and India and – as confirmed by the ECB – needs a “longer period of rehabilitation” for a calf tear she suffered while playing for the Blaze in April.
The perfect storm seems to have descended on England’s top order, and created an opportunity for Capsey to secure a place in the side – one that she has done her best to take with both hands.
“[I played a] completely new role,” Capsey told Sky Sports after the game. “With this England team at the minute there’s such competition for spots – any opportunity you get, it’s always nice to take it.
“I’ve had a few really good conversations with [Sophia Dunkley] and she settled the nerves.
“[I’ve put in] lots of hard work. That three-month block at the beginning of the year was amazing to get some skill development.
“I’ve worked on some different areas of my game. I just felt confident at the crease – really calm – and I think that showed today. I was two off eight, but I had that composure to know that I could catch up and really believe that.”
Farrant: Capsey has really staked her claim
Alice Capsey, England Women’s T20 (Getty Images)
Former England bowler Tash Farrant, speaking on Sky Sports:
“That was clinical from England. They won emphatically and Capsey has really staked her claim.
“I don’t know where she’s going to fit in the side, with Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson as well, but she’s showed she should be there.
“What I thought was brilliant today from Capsey was how she moved her feet – especially against Melie Kerr who she’s struggled with in the past.
“We know what she can do against pace. She targeted the backward point region really well – and she kept going to it and playing to her strengths really well.
“For me, she is someone that can take the game away. She played the situation, but she really went through the gears quickly as well.”
Dean praises “fantastic” Capsey
England’s Lauren Bell celebrates taking an early wicket against New Zealand
Stand-in England captain Charlie Dean, speaking on Sky Sports:
“Alice [Capsey] put in a fantastic performance today. The batting just keeps growing from piece to piece in this T20 format.
“I guess that makes the decisions harder, but that’s all we can ask for.
“It’s brilliant to start the series like that. Lauren Bell and Lindsay Smith were great up-front with the ball and everyone else chipped in.
“It wasn’t a tricky pitch to field on, actually, so to put on a performance like that is something that we can be really proud of.
“With the bat, it looked to be in the balance for a long time, but we stuck at it. To finish with two batters not out – Alice and Freya [Kemp] was exceptional.”
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The England Women’s T20 World Cup squad has been announced.
England vs New Zealand results and schedule
All times UK and Ireland; all games live on Sky Sports
First T20I (Derby) – England win by seven wickets 🔴 🔵Second T20I (Canterbury) – Saturday May 23 (2.30pm) 📅Third T20I (Hove) – Monday May 25 (2.30pm) 📅
Watch the Women’s T20 World Cup live in full on Sky Sports from June 12-July 5. Hosts England kick off the tournament on opening night with a game versus Sri Lanka at Edgbaston (6.30pm start).
