After sweeping the T20 International series 3-0, England Women blanked West Indies in the One-Day Internationals following a comprehensive nine-wicket win in Tauton on Saturday.
England restricted West Indies to 106 for eight in 21 overs after electing to bowl in a rain-curtailed contest. In reply, skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt struck a half-century as England wrapped up the chase with 65 balls to spare.
“That’s a great way to finish the series. It has rained a few times in Taunton. We wanted to have a bit more opportunity in the middle, but bowling first and the rain didn’t help that,” Sciver-Brunt said after the clinical win.
Sciver-Brunt, who took charge of England after Heather Knight stepped down from the role of captain in March, stressed on the importance of providing opportunities to players and trying out different combinations ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup in India, which begins from September 30.
“Looking at different combinations, trying things out. We have to gather information or we won’t be able to explore them nearer to the World Cup. It’s a pleasing thing to see that everyone given an opportunity has put their hand up. Some girls have a few days off, then some domestic cricket. We’ll be raring to go come India,” the English skipper said.
While England’s batting unit was propped up by the experience of Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont and Sciver-Brunt, the bowling department was spearheaded by left-arm spinner Linsey Smith and medium-pacer Em Arlott, who made their ODI debuts during the recently concluded series.
Smith and Arlott were the leading wicket-takers of the three-match series, picking seven and four wickets, respectively, despite featuring in only two games each.
