Are England extracting all they can from Freya Kemp, or should she be moved up the order?
An inspired display by the all-rounder helped England level their three-match T20 series against India with a 26-run victory in Bristol.
Kemp initially starred with the bat after she scorched a scintillating unbeaten 39 off 13 balls, which included two sixes, to guide England to 168-5 in their 20 overs.
The 21-year-old then derailed India’s run chase with the wickets of Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues as the tourists were restricted to 142-9.
England’s victory set up a series decider in Taunton – live on Sky Sports – on Tuesday, but with just two weeks to go until their T20 World Cup opener against Sri Lanka, Kemp looks to be timing her bid for selection to perfection.
Sky Sports Cricket’s Tash Farrant hailed Kemp’s match-winning performance – and urged England selectors to utilise her talent higher up the order.
“Get her facing as many balls as possible,” former England international Farrant said. “She brings the energy and knows she can clear the boundary with ease.
“We have waited for a left-hander since Lydia Greenway retired so if we have one in the middle order – a power hitter – let’s use her.
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Highlights from the second T20 between England and India in Bristol
“Without her innings, England were in a spot of bother. She gave the bowlers something to work with and they were all brilliant.
“She felt she has been going well but hadn’t quite put in the match-winning performance. She did that today.”
Why Kemp is so important
Mark Butcher explained why Kemp has a significant role to play in England’s World Cup campaign, regardless of her position in the batting order.
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Kemp hit 39 off just 13 balls to give England’s bowlers something to defend
“That is the perfect confidence-booster for a player England are putting a lot of stock in for the World Cup,” he said.
“They want both her and Dani Gibson to lengthen the batting and offer options with the ball – and what a way to bed yourself in.
“We know she has power to burn, she always has had, but injuries have killed her over the last couple of years.
“It’s being able to hit sixes as England are short of that elsewhere. That’s why she is so important.”
Knight’s position in jeopardy?
Kemp’s potential promotion up the batting order would bring her into direct competition with England’s current No 5 batter Heather Knight.
The former England captain’s recent struggles with the bat continued in Bristol as she was removed caught and bowled by Shree Charani after hitting 18 off 14 balls.
“I think Knight’s place is under scrutiny,” Farrant added.
“We know how experienced she is but she hasn’t been putting intent into her batting. She has been struggling and is scoring at a strike-rate below 100.
“The only way England will win this World Cup is by being more aggressive and Knight hasn’t been.”
England vs India T20I series results/fixtures
All times UK and Ireland, all live on Sky Sports
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). Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with NOW
