Alexa Stonehouse Receives First England Call-up for ODI Series Against New Zealand
Alexa Stonehouse Earns Maiden England Call-up
The England women's cricket team has included uncapped fast bowler Alexa Stonehouse in their squad for the ongoing ICC Women's Championship ODI series against New Zealand. This decision follows her outstanding performances in domestic cricket, as confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) ahead of the second ODI set to take place in Northampton on Wednesday.
Stonehouse, a young left-arm seamer, has made a significant impact in the domestic One-Day Cup, where she has taken eight wickets at an average of 25.12 across five matches. Her recent form has been impressive, highlighted by consecutive three-wicket hauls against Durham and Somerset, which earned her this senior call-up.
Series Update: England Lead 1-0
Currently, England leads the three-match ODI series 1-0 after a nail-biting victory over the White Ferns by just one wicket in the opening match held in Durham on May 10.
New Zealand batted first, setting a target of 211 runs, thanks to significant contributions from captain Amelia Kerr (55 runs off 82 balls) and Maddy Green (88 runs off 107 balls). England successfully chased down the target in the second last over, with stand-in captain Charlotte Dean scoring an unbeaten 31 runs off 46 balls to secure the win.
Focus on T20 World Cup 2026
This white-ball series is vital preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, which will take place in England and Wales starting June 12. Defending champions New Zealand are in Group 2 alongside England, Ireland, Scotland, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies. England will kick off the tournament against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston.
England's ODI Squad vs New Zealand
The England ODI squad for the series against New Zealand is captained by Charlie Dean and features seasoned players like Sophie Ecclestone, Heather Knight, Amy Jones, and Issy Wong. The final ODI of the series is scheduled for May 16 in Cardiff following the match in Northampton.
England women's ODI squad against New Zealand: Charlie Dean (c), Em Arlott, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Kira Chathli, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur, Dani Gibson, Jodi Grewcock, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith, Alexa Stonehouse, Issy Wong.