Charlie Dean has been named captain of the England Women’s side for the upcoming three‑match One Day International (ODI) series against Ireland in September. Dean first stepped into the role earlier this season when she acted as stand‑in skipper during the ODI series against New Zealand, filling the gap left by an injured Nat Sciver‑Brunt.
Now she will lead the side through the full Irish programme, bringing continuity and fresh leadership to the squad. The selection panel has deliberately left out several senior internationals in order to broaden the talent pool and give emerging players a chance to prove themselves at the highest level. Nat Sciver‑Brunt and Danni Wyatt‑Hodge have been omitted as part of a "fitness and recovery" management plan, while both Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell are also not in the squad. Amy Jones, who normally keeps wickets, is unavailable, meaning Alice Capsey will don the gloves for the series.
The board’s stated aim is to "widen and deepen the pool of players for England Women in ODI cricket," and the current 15‑player roster reflects that strategic intent. Dean’s squad is a blend of experience and potential.
Among the seasoned campaigners are players who featured in England’s impressive run to the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, while a handful of newcomers will be making their debut at the senior level. The only two uncapped players named are seam bowler Grace Potts and wicket‑keeper‑batter Kira Chathli, both of whom have been involved in England set‑ups earlier in the summer and are now poised to earn their first senior caps. In addition, all‑rounder Charis Pavely, a regular in the England A side, has featured in two T20 Internationals but is yet to play an ODI; this series will be her chance to break that barrier.
Ryana MacDonald‑Gay also returns to the senior squad after recovering from a lower‑back injury that sidelined her for much of the previous year. Her inclusion underscores the coaching staff’s confidence in her fitness and form, and she will be eager to make an impact after a long absence. The squad list includes: - Maia Bouchier (Hampshire) - Alice Capsey (Surrey) – wicket‑keeper for this series - Kira Chathli (Surrey) – uncapped keeper‑batter - Tilly Corteen‑Coleman (Surrey) – left‑arm spinner who featured in the T20 World Cup final and has two ODI caps from the New Zealand series - Charlie Dean (Somerset) – captain - Sophia Dunkley (Surrey) - Lauren Filer (Durham) - Dani Gibson (Somerset) - Jodi Grewcock (Essex) - Freya Kemp (Hampshire) - Ryana MacDonald‑Gay (Surrey) - Charis Pavely (Warwickshire) - Grace Potts (Lancashire) – uncapped seam bowler - Mady Villiers (Durham) - Issy Wong (Warwickshire) The fixtures are scheduled as follows: - 1 September: England Women vs Ireland Women at Uptonsteel Grace Road, Leicester, 13:00 BST - 3 September: England Women vs Ireland Women at The OurCoop County Ground, Derby, 13:00 BST - 6 September: England Women vs Ireland Women at New Road, Worcester, 10:30 BST Head coach Charlotte Edwards highlighted the importance of the series, noting that the summer has already been "incredible" for women’s cricket and that the three Metro Bank ODIs provide a vital opportunity to round off the season.
She explained that while the focus has largely been on T20 cricket this year, the conclusion of the World Cup campaign opens a window for players to showcase their 50‑over abilities and gain valuable experience for future selections. Edwards added, "We have a wealth of exciting and talented cricketers in our game, and this series is a chance for many of them to push themselves forward, contribute to England victories, and put pressure on the selectors for the next big tournaments." The emphasis on giving game time to a broader group of players aligns with the ECB’s long‑term goal of building depth across all formats. For fans, the series will be streamed on the NOW platform, and additional coverage—including the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, live scorecards, and the Sky Sports app—will be available. Viewers are advised to use the Chrome browser for the best video experience.
Overall, the England Women’s ODI squad for the Ireland series represents a strategic mix of proven performers and rising talent, all under the leadership of Charlie Dean. The matches will not only serve as a competitive contest against a strong Irish side but also as a developmental platform for England’s next generation of cricketers, ensuring the team remains robust and adaptable for upcoming international challenges.