Though this ODI series has been low-key in the backdrop of England’s T20 World Cup preparations, it has marked the beginning of a new era of batting in the longer format.
Veteran opener Tammy Beaumont has been dropped, while Jones has moved back into the middle order, so a new-look opening partnership of Emma Lamb and Jodi Grewcock has emerged.
It has been a difficult series for Grewcock, 21, who has been in form at number three for Essex this season. Again, she looked tentative against New Zealand’s seamers, who exploited the conditions perfectly after captain Kerr did not hesitate in choosing to bowl first.
Both openers were caught behind as Rosemary Mair and Bree Illing found plenty of movement through the air, before former skipper Heather Knight dropped anchor with 28 until she also nicked to the keeper.
Capsey and Freya Kemp, who should be England’s middle order mainstays for years to come, led a recovery but looked uncertain when to launch a counter-attack considering the rain clouds that constantly teased them above.
After the break and reduced overs were confirmed, a slow outfield made scoring difficult and Kemp fell to a fantastic diving catch by Mair at long-on with her first real shot of intent.
Only six boundaries were scored after the resumption, though Capsey innovatively picked the gaps in a large outfield, while Jones provided a late flurry in her 21-ball knock to avoid England’s innings from falling away.
