Charlie Dean has been named captain of the England Women’s side for the upcoming three‑match One Day International (ODI) series against Ireland, scheduled for September. This appointment follows her stint as stand‑in skipper earlier in the season when she led the side in the opening ODI series against New Zealand after regular captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt was sidelined with injury. Dean will now close out the summer with three further ODIs, providing continuity and leadership as England looks to cement its position in the limited‑overs format. The selection panel has opted to rest several senior players in order to manage workloads and facilitate recovery.
Both Nat Sciver‑Brunt and Danni Wyatt‑Hodge are missing from the squad, with the official statement citing "managing fitness and recovery" as the primary reason. In addition, fast bowler Sophie Ecclestone and all‑rounder Lauren Bell have also been omitted from the list.
Their absence opens opportunities for a broader pool of talent to experience international cricket and helps England build depth ahead of future tournaments. With Amy Jones unavailable, Alice Capsey will take on wicket‑keeping duties. Capsey, who has already shown her versatility with the bat, now adds the gloves to her skill set, offering the team a flexible option in the middle order. The decision to leave out five senior players—Sciver‑Brunt, Wyatt‑Hodge, Ecclestone, Bell and Jones—has been framed as a strategic move to "widen and deepen the pool of players for England Women in ODI cricket," according to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Dean’s 15‑member squad is a blend of experience and fresh faces. Established internationals such as Maia Bouchier, Sophia Dunkley and Lauren Filer provide a solid backbone, while newcomers are given a chance to prove themselves on the world stage. The only two uncapped players named are seam bowler Grace Potts and keeper‑batter Kira Chathli, both of whom have been part of England squads earlier in the summer but have yet to make their senior debut.
Their inclusion signals the board’s confidence in their potential to transition smoothly into the senior environment. Joining them is all‑rounder Charis Pavely, a regular in the England A side who has already featured in two Twenty‑20 Internationals (IT20s). Pavely will be aiming for her first ODI appearance during this series, adding a new dimension to the middle order with her ability to contribute both with bat and ball.
Another returning player is Ryana MacDonald‑Gay, who makes her comeback to an England squad after recovering from a lower‑back injury sustained the previous year. Her presence adds further depth to the batting line‑up and offers the side a seasoned campaigner who has previously performed well in high‑pressure situations. The schedule for the series is straightforward: the first ODI will be played on 1 September at Grace Road in Leicester, followed by a second match on 3 September at the County Ground in Derby, and concluding with a third encounter on 6 September at New Road in Worcester. All three fixtures are slated to begin at 1 pm local time, except the final game, which will kick off at 10:30 am.
These venues provide a mix of conditions that will test both the batting and bowling units, allowing the team to experiment with line‑ups and strategies. Eight members of the squad were part of England’s runner‑up finish at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. Among them is left‑arm spinner Tilly Corteen‑Coleman, who will be looking to build on the two ODI appearances she made against New Zealand. Her spin will be crucial on the slower pitches expected in the Midlands, offering variety to the pace‑heavy attack.
Head coach Charlotte Edwards highlighted the significance of the series, stating: "It has been an incredible summer for women's cricket already, and these three Metro Bank ODI matches against Ireland make up an important series for us to complete our summer. The focus has rightly been on T20 cricket for much of this year, but with a memorable run to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final now behind us, this is a chance for players to display their 50‑over skills and bank some valuable experience for the future.
We have got plenty of exciting and talented cricketers in our game and this is an opportunity for some of them to push themselves further forward by hopefully contributing to England victories and putting pressure on future selection." The series also serves a broader developmental purpose. By rotating senior players and integrating newcomers, England aims to create a pipeline of talent that can sustain success across formats.
The inclusion of uncapped players like Potts and Chathli, alongside returning athletes such as MacDonald‑Gay, demonstrates a commitment to nurturing the next generation while maintaining competitive standards. Fans can follow the action through various channels: live streams are available on the NOW platform, while highlights and analysis will be featured on Sky Sports Cricket. The Sky Sports Cricket Podcast will provide in‑depth discussion of each match, and all scores will be updated in real time on the Sky Sports website.
For those who prefer mobile access, the Sky Sports app offers a convenient way to stay updated, and the ECB recommends using the Chrome browser for optimal video playback. Overall, the September ODI series against Ireland presents a pivotal moment for England Women’s cricket. Under Dean’s leadership, the side will aim to blend experience with youthful exuberance, test new combinations, and solidify its standing ahead of upcoming international commitments. The matches promise competitive cricket, opportunities for emerging talent, and a chance for the team to finish the summer on a high note.