The second women's one-day international between England and New Zealand at Northampton has been delayed due to persistent rain. The match, originally scheduled to start at 1pm BST, has seen multiple inspections and a reduced overs format.
Rain Delays and Revised Plans
After several inspections, the toss took place at 3.30pm, with New Zealand winning and electing to bowl first. The game has been reduced to 32 overs per side. However, rain returned shortly after, and the covers were brought back on. A further inspection is scheduled for 4.40pm, though hopes are fading.
Team News
England made two changes from the first ODI: Alice Capsey and Sophie Ecclestone replaced Jodi Grewcock and Lauren Filer. The full England XI is Emma Lamb, Maia Bouchier, Heather Knight, Alice Capsey, Freya Kemp, Amy Jones (wk), Dani Gibson, Charlie Dean (c), Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell, and Tily Corteen-Coleman. New Zealand remain unchanged: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Melie Kerr (c), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Izzy Gaze (wk), Izzy Sharp, Jess Kerr, Nensi Patel, Rosemary Mair, and Bree Illing.
Sarah Taylor Makes History
In uplifting news, former England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has been appointed as the England men's fielding coach for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. According to Cricinfo, this is the first time a female coach has worked with a men's international team. England men's director of cricket Rob Key praised Taylor, saying, 'I just think she's one of the best in the business at what she does. She's been outstanding.' Taylor, a devoted Arsenal fan, is enjoying a memorable week.
Other Cricket News
Liam Dawson has retired from first-class cricket after a distinguished career with Hampshire, amassing 10,424 runs at 34 and 361 wickets at 32. He returned to Test cricket last year after an eight-year absence but did not feature again after the draw at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, the first men's Test of the summer starts on 4 June, with the squad already announced. Zak Crawley has lost his place, and Emilio Gay is expected to open alongside Ben Duckett. Rehan Ahmed at No 8 would be a bold move, though he has not played for a month due to IPL commitments.
Fans are encouraged to read this week's Spin newsletter, which highlights Oswestry CC's remarkable achievement of 10 mother-daughter pairs playing together.
