England Team Preview: Return home for World Cup winners

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Jamie Ramage
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On Saturday, England will play their first home game since that memorable day at Lord’s last year when they won the ICC Women’s World Cup. Their opponents will be the side that they narrowly beat in the semi-final of that competition, South Africa.



The squad has only been confirmed for the first two ODIs, but with qualifying points to play for this side should see the series to a conclusion.



Batting



This is one of England’s strengths. There is competition for places as the recent resurgence of Danni Wyatt at the top of the order will make it difficult for the returning Lauren Winfield to reclaim a spot opening the batting.



The middle order is one of the best in the world as Sarah Taylor, Nat Sciver and Heather Knight have contributed a significant number of runs over the last 12 months.



Amy Jones who is also in the squad as the backup wicketkeeper is a player capable of playing some glorious shots.



All-rounders



While Sciver and Knight fit in this bracket it is the likes of Jenny Gunn, Laura Marsh, Georgia Elwiss and more recently Katherine Brunt that will fight it out for places in the starting XI.



Brunt is a given with her combative bowling upfront important for England, if not always matched with the return of wickets that some may expect.



Gunn with her changes of pace is a well-known entity but her slower balls still get more than their fair share of wickets. Some late order runs could well be important.



Elwiss has been a player that has not nailed down a spot in the side in recent years. A decent WBBL campaign for a struggling Melbourne Stars side suggests she has much to offer and was used as a late call-up on the India tour.



Bowlers



Anya Shrubsole who is also vice-captain is an important player and stood up when needed during the semi-final and final of last years World Cup. South Africa was heartbroken when she hit the winning runs at Bristol last year.



Sophie Ecclestone is a bowler on the rise as she has overtaken her Lancashire left-arm spin teammate Alex Hartley. An economical bowler who never seems overawed by the situation in front of her and there is no reason why she is not a fixture in this team for years to come.



Danielle Hazell is the other bowling option in the squad but is likely to be behind both Ecclestone and Laura Marsh for the spin bowling spots.



England squad announced for the upcoming series
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