Earlier this week, England’s World Cup preparations were dealt a blow with captain Nat Sciver-Brunt’s calf injury ruling her out of this series and the following three against India.
They have been guilty of relying too much on Sciver-Brunt’s batting brilliance in recent years, which will add an element of added pleasure for Charlotte Edwards as she watched two 21-year-olds put together a mature, match-winning stand.
Capsey, who usually bats at number three, was opening for the first time for England in this format but stepped up seamlessly as Wyatt-Hodge awaits the birth of her child.
She played to her strengths by dismantling New Zealand’s pace attack flawlessly, including back-to-back sixes off Jess Kerr in the 15th over, while calmly negotiating the spinners with singles.
After fellow opener Sophia Dunkley skied a catch for eight and Maia Bouchier was cleaned up by Bree Illing, Capsey added 43 with former captain Knight before Kemp injected some late energy into the chase with her 20-ball knock as the threat of rain loomed.
With the ball, the roles of England’s attack is clear. Bell continues to shine in her leadership role while Smith dominated the powerplay, claiming the key scalp of skipper Melie Kerr, who was caught at mid-off which may have contributed to the rest of the batters’ timid approach to the spinner.
However, Ecclestone was also targeted by New Zealand in the third ODI at Cardiff which could be a trend used by opposition sides at the World Cup.
Devine was immediately on the attack with those three massive leg-side blows, but the return of Gibson and Kemp to bowling after their respective back injuries ticks off another key part of Edwards’ puzzle.