As England prepares for its upcoming matches against India, the focus turns to how they can effectively combat the formidable Smriti Mandhana, recently named Wisden’s leading women’s cricketer for 2024. Bad form for the English team these days. They recently returned from a whitewash in India, where they lost 40 wickets to spin, averaging just 12.3 runs per dismissal. Given Mandhana’s remarkable performance against England thus far, how they choose to play their hand will be key to their success.
In recent performances, Sophie Ecclestone has emerged as a key player for England. She took 4-12 in a personal highlight that saw her Lancashire side beat a star-studded Kent in the T20 Women’s County Cup final. Truly, Ecclestone’s individual statistics make her the world’s best bowler — number one in One Day Internationals (ODIs). She stands at fourth place in T20s. Her form with the ball will be key in preventing India’s experienced batting unit from getting on top.
In addition, Mandhana has a remarkable record against England, with an ODI average of 51.68 and just over 38 in T20s. In the longest format, she’s averaged 24 since 2022, with a strike rate of 108 against spin bowling. This is the mark of a candidate who can take a punch as much as she can throw. Charlie Dean and Alice Capsey are England’s two up-and-coming stars. They’ll look to focus on off-spin as it provides the best match-up against Mandhana.
As a result, statistics from England’s last few matches tell a deeply disturbing story. The batters excel in ODIs, winning 79% of matches when Nat Sciver-Brunt surpasses the 50-run mark. In T20s, that success rate goes even higher to 82%. Sciver-Brunt’s performances will be key in deciding the three-match series against India. Mandhana’s role has been vital to India’s batting makeup. When she scores a half-century, India’s win percentage in the longer format shoots up to an impressive 76%.
In T20s, England’s seamers will cooperatively look to get at Mandhana early when she first comes to the crease. They’re going to look for action into the left-hander to break her rhythm from the very first step. This tactic seeks to double down on her weaknesses while making it impossible for her to become comfortable and find her rhythm.
“We have to get on board with that unfortunately. I’m sure externally there will be plenty of replays but we’ll be keeping our bats behind the line for sure.” – Tammy Beaumont
Tammy Beaumont, the most experienced member of the England side, knows that they will have to adjust. She knows the problems that India’s roster poses. As Beaumont pointed out, the laws of cricket were still likely to create headaches. He stressed that when teams aren’t constantly updating their approaches, they’re falling behind.
Recent history in this rivalry reminds us that England cannot afford to write off any player from the opposition too soon. Deepti Sharma’s run-out of Charlie Dean sealed a 3-0 ODI series win for India in 2022. This was a wake up call for England to be switched on and alert in the field between the lines.
Sophie Ecclestone’s dazzling numbers only add to her potential impact in the series. She has already taken 24 T20 wickets in 2024. She has a stellar average of 14.87 and an equally stingy economy rate of 5.59. In ODIs too, she has been as dazzling, taking 13 wickets at a jaw-dropping average of 7.23. Her experience in taking important wickets at pivotal times would turn games in England’s favor.
“This is the best preparation for Sophie, to be ready for India.” – Charlotte Edwards
Charlotte Edwards played down the need for Ecclestone to be sufficiently primed for the fears of India’s batting order. Ecclestone is one of England’s top bowlers, so her form should go a long way to help contain Mandhana and the rest of her teammates.
As both teams gear up for this highly anticipated series, England must refine their strategies and bolster their bowling attack to effectively counteract Mandhana’s influence on the game. With strong performances from players like Ecclestone and Sciver-Brunt, they stand a chance to turn the tide against a challenging Indian side.
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