The excitement is reaching fever pitch as England prepare to face fellow cricket powerhouse India in a much-anticipated Women’s white-ball series, with the first ball set to be bowled on June 28 at Trent Bridge. The return of premier left-arm spin ace Sophie Ecclestone adds even more spice to what promises to be a thrilling showdown between two of the world’s top teams.
Under new captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and head coach Charlotte Edwards, England have already made waves with back-to-back commanding clean sweeps against the West Indies in both T20Is and ODIs earlier this summer. With the ODI World Cup looming in India, this series serves as a vital final test for Edwards’ side as they sharpen their skills and strategy ahead of a challenging tour.
England’s recent dominance against the Windies was a welcome boost following a tough Ashes tour in early 2025, where a heavy 16-0 defeat led to a major leadership overhaul — Heather Knight stepping down as captain and John Lewis replaced as head coach. Now, reinvigorated and determined, England are eager to carry forward the momentum garnered against the Windies and seal another statement series victory.
However, India will take confidence from their recent tri-series triumph in Colombo, where they overcame both South Africa and hosts Sri Lanka. All seven matches were played at the R Premadasa Stadium, with India rounding off the tournament in style by thrashing Sri Lanka by 97 runs in the final.
This series promises electrifying cricket and passionate crowds across five T20Is and three ODIs at some of England’s most iconic grounds. It also serves as a key litmus test for both sides ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which England will proudly host.
Moreover, the opening clash at Trent Bridge marks a historic first for Nottingham. Between them, England and India boast six players ranked among the elite in the ICC rankings, with England sitting second and India third in the world.
Cricket fans won’t want to miss this high-stakes series — tune in, cheer loudly, and get ready for top-class action!
Ones to Watch – England
England’s women’s team boasts a dynamic blend of proven talent and rising stars, with several key players poised to make a major impact in the upcoming series against India.
Sophie Ecclestone stands out as one of England’s most vital and game-changing players in white-ball cricket. At just 25, she already holds the ICC’s top bowler ranking in both ODIs and T20Is. Since bursting onto the scene as a teenager in 2016, Ecclestone has taken nearly 300 international wickets, combining skill, precision, and calm under pressure, exemplified by her match-winning 6-36 in the 2022 World Cup semi-final against South Africa. Beyond her wicket-taking prowess, her miserly economy rates choke opposition batters and give England control.
Ecclestone’s all-round value is boosted by her powerful lower-order hitting and leadership experience gained from global domestic leagues like The Hundred, the Big Bash, and the Women’s Premier League. After overcoming injury setbacks, she returns in peak form and is undoubtedly one to watch.
Lindsey Smith is enjoying a remarkable resurgence after a nearly five-year international hiatus. Since rejoining the squad in early 2024, Smith has featured in 10 T20Is, impressing with her slow left-arm orthodox spin. Her 10 wickets in the recent white-ball series against the West Indies and impactful performances for Hampshire in the Vitality Blast have made her an indispensable part of the side. Smith complements Ecclestone perfectly — despite both being left-arm spinners, their contrasting styles give England tactical flexibility and a potent spin duo that few teams can match. Notably, Smith became only the second England player to claim a five-wicket haul on her ODI debut, sealing a commanding win over the Windies in Derby. New head coach Edwards values the unique strengths both bring, ensuring they remain key figures in the squad when Ecclestone returns.
On the pace front, Em Arlott has seized her opportunity to shine. After years on the fringes, the right-arm quick earned her international debut under Edwards’ guidance and immediately made her mark, taking 10 wickets in the recent T20I series — including one on debut at Canterbury. Praised by experts like Charles Dagnall and Tash Farrant, Arlott embodies the success of England’s county system, which Edwards champions as the backbone of player development. Her breakthrough signals exciting promise for England’s bowling attack moving forward.
Edwards has also brought fresh ideas to the squad, such as enforcing minimum fitness standards from next year and reshuffling the batting order. One of her bold moves as head coach saw wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones open the innings in ODIs for the first time since 2019, a gamble that paid off handsomely with Jones scoring her maiden ODI century and forming record partnerships with Tammy Beaumont.
Finally, no discussion of England’s potential threat heading into a series is complete without mentioning the blockbuster Nat Sciver-Brunt. Since her 2013 debut, Sciver-Brunt has been a cornerstone of the team, playing a pivotal role in the 2017 World Cup victory and earning 259 caps across all formats. At 32, her experience and consistency are invaluable. She recently made history in the 2025 Women’s IPL, becoming the first player to score over 500 runs in a single season and to surpass 1,000 career runs in the tournament. Her all-round excellence and leadership qualities will remain vital as England bid to overcome India.
Ones to Watch – India
Shafali Verma returns to the international stage with renewed focus and maturity. Once known for her fearless, all-out aggression, the explosive opener has spent time refining her approach, learning to balance power with patience. Mentored by Meg Lanning during her stint at the Delhi Capitals, Verma now values her wicket more and picks her moments to attack. While her T20I average in England sits at just 20, her WPL strike rate of 150 proves that when she gets going, she’s near-unstoppable. Expect her to come out with a point to prove.
Alongside her at the top, Smriti Mandhana continues to be India’s batting lynchpin. The elegant left-hander recently reclaimed the ICC’s No. 1 ODI batter ranking — a reminder of her world-class consistency. With over 4,400 ODI runs, 11 centuries, and a reputation for those trademark cover drives, Mandhana remains one of the most watchable players in the world. Her half-century in the 2024 T20 World Cup against Sri Lanka was a masterclass in timing and composure, and her record 135 vs Ireland stands as proof of her ability to anchor — and then dominate — any innings.
Jemimah Rodrigues is part of India’s next-gen engine room. Technically gifted with bags of time at the crease, she brings both finesse and power. While her 50-over game continues to evolve, her T20I prowess is undeniable, second only to Mandhana in terms of reliability. In the recent ODI Tri-Series against South Africa and Sri Lanka, Rodrigues hit 245 runs in just four innings, including a superb 123. Add to that her sharp fielding, and Jemimah is a game-changer across all departments.
All-rounder Deepti Sharma remains one of the most complete cricketers in the world. With over 1,000 T20I runs and 138 wickets, she’s the only Indian woman to reach both milestones — a testament to her versatility and longevity. Deepti made history in the WPL by becoming the first Indian to take a hat-trick in the competition, and she continues to be a vital middle-order presence with both bat and ball. Her record — 2300+ runs and 135 wickets in ODIs — underlines just how reliable she is in white-ball cricket.
And then there’s Sneh Rana — India’s comeback queen. Tattooed on her wrist is the word “Vidrohi” (rebel), and few embody that spirit better. Returning to white-ball cricket after a long layoff, Rana dominated the recent tri-series in Colombo with 15 wickets in five matches, including a career-best haul against South Africa. Player of the Series there, she earned a deserved T20I recall after two years out. Expect her to bring fire and fight to this England tour — and she has the form to back it up.
Team news
England
England have named a strong squad for the T20I series against India, headlined by the return of world No.1 white-ball bowler Sophie Ecclestone. Her comeback adds further firepower to an already formidable spin attack. However, it comes at the expense of Sarah Glenn, who misses out, a reflection of the fierce competition for places in England’s ever-deepening spin ranks.
The squad is a balanced mix of experience and youthful flair, featuring stalwarts Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones, and Sophia Dunkley, alongside explosive young talents like Alice Capsey, Lauren Bell, and Issy Wong. Under the leadership of Sciver-Brunt and head coach Edwards, England are clearly building towards the upcoming white-ball World Cups with a focus on flexibility, power, and depth.
India
India’s squad is defined by two significant returns: Shafali Verma and Sneh Rana, who are back in the T20I fold after extended absences.
Following their tri-series win in Sri Lanka, India have rung the changes from the squad that last faced the West Indies in December 2024. Notable omissions include Renuka Singh, Titas Sadhu, Radha Yadav, Uma Chetry, and Shreyanka Patil — the latter dropped despite an impressive WPL and domestic campaign, with no official explanation offered. Renuka, meanwhile, is still regaining full fitness after shoulder surgery.
New faces in the T20I squad include Harleen Deol, Yastika Bhatia, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Shree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay, Kranti Gaud, and Sayali Satghare, the promising Mumbai pacer who has been rewarded with a call-up to both T20I and ODI squads after a breakout domestic season.
India’s ODI squad also sees Kashvee Gautam and Charani omitted post-tri-series, with Kranti Gaud and Satghare stepping in. The core of the team remains strong, anchored by the likes of Sharma, Rodrigues — fresh off a 245-run ODI tri-series haul — and key contributors like Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, and Amanjot Kaur. Tejal Hasabnis and Pratika Rawal have been named exclusively for the ODI format.
India’s selections reflect both the depth of their talent pool and a willingness to reset ahead of major global tournaments.
How the squads shape up
England (Only announced T20I Squad)
Nat Sciver-Brunt (C), Emily Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Paige Scholfield, Linsey Smith, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Issy Wong
India
India’s T20I Squad
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare
India’s ODI Squad
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare
Match Ups
Expect fireworks as Harmanpreet Kaur faces off against Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell—a true test of power vs precision. Kaur’s strokeplay under pressure will be key.
Beaumont’s role as England’s anchor puts her head-to-head with India’s crafty spinners, especially Sharma and Yadav, who thrive on control and wickets.
With Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, and Amy Jones in form, England’s batting depth will challenge India’s spin trio of Deepti, Sneh Rana, and Radha, who will aim to exploit English conditions.
Barmy Army prediction
A closely fought series awaits, but England have momentum on their side. Under the fresh leadership of Sciver-Brunt and Edwards, the team looks revitalised following their Ashes setback—evidenced by a dominant clean sweep over a strong West Indies side, even without world No.1 bowler Ecclestone.
With Ecclestone back, a deep batting order, and the advantage of home conditions, we’re backing England to edge it: 3–2 in the T20Is and 2–1 in the ODIs.
Match Details
T20Is
1st T20I – Saturday, June 28, Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 2:30 PM
2nd T20I – Tuesday, July 1, Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, 6:30 PM
3rd T20I – Friday, July 4, The Kia Oval, London, 6:35 PM
4th T20I – Wednesday, July 9, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, 6:30 PM
5th T20I – Saturday, July 12, Edgbaston, Birmingham, 6:35 PM
ODIs
1st ODI – Wednesday, July 16, Utilita Bowl, Southampton, 1:00 PM
2nd ODI – Saturday, July 19, Lord’s, London, 11:00 AM
3rd ODI – Tuesday, July 22, Riverside, Chester-le-Street, 11:00 AM
Weather Watch
Expect warm conditions at Trent Bridge on Saturday, with temperatures climbing into the mid-20s, but likely feeling closer to 27°C. It’ll be blustery at times, and early cloud cover could aid swing bowling, something for the seamers to exploit.
As the match moves into the late afternoon and early evening, the sun is set to break through, offering more stable conditions. Most importantly, no rain is forecast, so we’re all set for a full, uninterrupted opening T20I.
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY JOE TURNER.
