England vs New Zealand: Alice Capsey and Lauren Bell star as hosts win T20 opener

England’s World Cup preparations were dealt a blow earlier this week when captain Nat Sciver-Brunt suffered a calf injury, ruling him out of this series and the next three series against India.

They have been guilty of relying too much on Sciver-Brunt’s batting genius in recent years; This will bring added delight to Charlotte Edwards as she watches the two 21-year-olds put on a mature, match-winning stance.

Capsey, who usually bats at number three, was opening for England for the first time in this format but moved up seamlessly as Wyatt-Hodge awaited the birth of his child.

He played to his strengths, including back-to-back sixes from Jess Kerr in the 15th over, flawlessly eliminating New Zealand’s pace attack, while calmly negotiating the spinners in the singles.

Kemp added some late energy to the chase with a 20-ball strike as the threat of rain loomed, after Capsey added another 43 along with former skipper Knight after fellow opener Sophia Dunkley caught eight and Maia Bouchier was cleared by Bree Illing.

With the ball, England’s offensive roles are clear. While Bell continued to shine in the leadership role, Smith dominated the powerplay and took the scalp of skipper Melie Kerr, who was caught at mid-on, which may have contributed to the other batsmen’s shy approach to the spinner.

However, Ecclestone was also targeted by New Zealand in the third ODI in Cardiff; This may be a trend used by opposing teams in the World Cup.

Devine immediately went on the attack with three big hits down the leg side, but the return of Gibson and Kemp to bowl after back injuries marks another key piece of Edwards’ puzzle.