England vs New Zealand: Tourists seal 17-run win via DLS to level ODI series

This ODI series, although low-key against the backdrop of England’s T20 World Cup preparations, marked the beginning of a new era of batting in the longer format.

Experienced opener Tammy Beaumont was dropped, while Jones returned to the middle order, creating a new-look opening partnership of Emma Lamb and Jodi Grewcock.

It has been a difficult series for 21-year-old Grewcock, who is third at Essex this season. Once again he looked hesitant against the New Zealand seamers who made excellent use of the conditions after captain Kerr had no hesitation in choosing to bowl first.

Both openers were caught behind with Rosemary Mair and Bree Illing finding plenty of action in the air, while former skipper Heather Knight also anchored the game with 28 before nicking it to the keeper.

Capsey and Freya Kemp, who should be England’s middle-order mainstays for years to come, led the recovery but looked uncertain about when they should launch a counter-attack given the rain clouds that constantly plagued them overhead.

Once the break and the reduction of overs were confirmed, a slow outfield made it difficult to score and Kemp scored his first real shot in a long time, falling to a wonderful diving catch from Mair.

Only six boundaries were scored after the restart, but as Capsey innovatively picked out gaps in a wide outside off, Jones provided a late flurry in his 21-ball innings to prevent England’s innings from falling.