Charlie Dean has been named captain of the England Women’s side for the upcoming three‑match One Day International (ODI) series against Ireland Women in September. Dean first stepped into the role earlier in the season when she captained the team in an ODI series against New Zealand, covering for the injured Nat Sciver‑Brunt. This appointment sees her lead the side for three more ODIs as England looks to cement its depth in the 50‑over format.
The selection panel has chosen to rest several senior players to manage their workload and aid recovery. Both Nat Sciver‑Brunt and Danni Wyatt‑Hodge are omitted from the squad, with the board citing "managing fitness and recovery" as the primary reason.
In addition, frontline bowlers Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell are also not part of the 15‑player roster. The decision is part of a broader strategy to broaden the talent pool for England Women’s ODI cricket, giving emerging players a chance to prove themselves on the international stage. With Amy Jones unavailable, Alice Capsey has been handed the gloves as wicket‑keeper, adding another layer of versatility to the side.
The squad blends a core of experienced internationals with a number of players eager to make their debut at the highest level. Among the newcomers, seam bowler Grace Potts and keeper‑batter Kira Chathli are the only uncapped names, although both have been involved in England squads during the summer and have featured in training camps.
All‑rounder Charis Pavely, a regular in the England A side, joins the squad as well. Pavely has already played two Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) but is yet to make her ODI debut, making this series a potential breakthrough for her. Returning after a lengthy rehabilitation from a lower‑back injury sustained last year is Ryana MacDonald‑Gay, who is keen to re‑establish herself in the national setup. The squad also includes eight players who featured in the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, where England finished as runners‑up.
Left‑arm spinner Tilly Corteen‑Coleman, who earned two ODI caps against New Zealand earlier in the year, will be looking to add to her limited‑overs experience. The presence of these World Cup veterans provides a solid foundation for the team while the younger members gain valuable exposure. 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 are an important part of completing our season. 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 build valuable experience for the future.
We have plenty of exciting and talented cricketers in our game, and this is an opportunity for some of them to push themselves further forward, hopefully contributing to England victories and putting pressure on future selection." The fixtures are scheduled as follows: the first match will be played on 1 September at Uptonsteel Grace Road in Leicester, kicking off at 1 pm. The second ODI takes place on 3 September at the OurCoop County Ground in Derby, also at 1 pm. The series concludes on 6 September with a game at New Road in Worcester, starting at 10:30 am. These venues provide a mix of traditional English conditions, offering both seam and spin bowlers opportunities to exploit the pitches.
Beyond the on‑field action, fans can follow the series through various platforms. England cricket will be streamed live on NOW, and the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast offers in‑depth analysis and interviews with players and coaches. All match scorecards will be available on the Sky Sports website, and the Sky Sports app provides a convenient way to stay updated on scores, news, and highlights. For the best video experience, viewers are advised to use the Chrome browser.
The full squad list is as follows: Maia Bouchier (Hampshire), Alice Capsey (Surrey), Kira Chathli (Surrey), Tilly Corteen‑Coleman (Surrey), Charlie Dean (c) (Somerset), 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), Mady Villiers (Durham) and Issy Wong (Warwickshire). This blend of seasoned campaigners and promising newcomers reflects England’s commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring a competitive edge in the ODI arena. Overall, the series against Ireland offers a valuable platform for England Women to refine their 50‑over strategies, test the depth of their squad, and give rising stars a taste of international cricket. With Dean at the helm and a balanced mix of experience and youth, the team aims to secure a series win while laying the groundwork for future success in both ODI and T20 formats.