England make changes to squad for final ODI

With the ODI series against West Indies secure England have made three changes to their squad. The third and final ODI at Chelmsford on Thursday.



Already two games to the good England will rest Katherine Brunt and Natalie Sciver. With World Cup qualifications on the line, it will have been a far from a simple call by England’s management. It does show how important England feel regaining the Ashes later in the summer is. Alex Hartley has also been released from the squad without playing a game.



Brunt and Sciver are seen as essential players in the England side and their managment will be keen to make sure they are injury free going into next month.



Called up in their absence is Bryony Smith. Smith has been in fine form during the domestic summer and is seen as one of the next players to step up into the main squad.



Hartley misses out mainly due to the fine form of Sophie Ecclestone and Laura Marsh. The spin duo have largely dominated the West Indies lower order after the pace attack of Brunt, Anya Shrubsole and Kate Cross have accounted for the top order.



Smith offers an off-spin option if England goes for the option of more than two spinners. With Heather Knight able to bowl spin that should not be the deciding factor.



Smith recently hit a hundred for Surrey in their Royal London One-Day Championship game against Nottinghamshire.



With Cross being employed as the third seamer England have looked a batter short and with Brunt and Sciver out of the side, Smith would slot into the side. Although either Lauren Winfield or Fran Wilson will be expected to fill the position of Sciver.



With a three-game t20 series to come between England and West Indies, it could be possible that Smith will be looked more closely for then.



 



England squad for the third ODI:



Heather Knight (Captain), Tammy Beaumont, Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone, Jenny Gunn, Amy Jones, Laura Marsh, Anya Shrubsole, Bryony Smith, Sarah Taylor (wk), Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield, Danni Wyatt.