Jon Lewis recognises the importance of Nat Sciver-Brunt even as a specialist batter but the England head coach believes his side get maximum value from her as a true all-rounder.
A lingering knee problem has meant a reduced workload this summer, with Sciver-Brunt bowling just 44 overs in the drawn multi-format Women’s Ashes – although her 404 runs at an average of 57.71 saw her named England’s player of the series.
Rested for the shock T20 series loss against Sri Lanka, she returned exclusively as a batter for three ODIs and set a new benchmark for the fastest century by an Englishwoman in the format off 66 balls.
Speaking after England wrapped up a 2-0 series win as they prevailed by a thumping 161-run margin at Grace Road, Sciver-Brunt revealed her intention to get back to bowling on the winter tour of India.
That is music to the ears of Lewis, who took no risks with his star asset in this series, preferring instead to hand other seamers a chance and give Sciver-Brunt a longer shelf life as an all-rounder.
Lewis argued having the number one ranked batter and all-rounder in ODIs back in a dual role will allow England to potentially field three spinners at next year’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and the 50-over equivalent in India in 2025.
“Nat’s a brilliant all-rounder,” Lewis said. “We’ve just made the decision to prioritise when she bowls, not only to give other people opportunity but to make sure that we have her as an all-rounder for as long as we possibly can.
“That’s really important for this team, the balance she brings for the team makes it much easier to put (an extra spinner) in the team. That’s fantastic, especially when we’re going to the subcontinent.
“The fact (Sciver-Brunt) can bowl seam in the powerplay and do a really good job with the new ball makes it easier for me to select three spinners in the side which is something I really want to do in those conditions.”
Sophia Dunkley, Danni Wyatt, Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell were all missing for the last assignment of England’s summer schedule, with Heather Knight absent for the final match in Leicester as she was feeling unwell, leading to Sciver-Brunt standing in as captain.
In their absence, the speedy Lauren Filer and teenage left-armer Mahika Gaur have caught the eye while Maia Bouchier, another on the fringes, thumped 95 off 65 balls on Thursday.
Lewis, whose 10-month reign has seen a more attack-minded approach from England, has been encouraged by what he has witnessed – eager to expand the talent pool and create a number of selection dilemmas.
He said: “We’ve chosen different times to expose different players because it gives us a really great opportunity to see how they do at different moments, but also it’s more about the long-term planning.
“It’s making sure that we’re peaking at the right time for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and the 50-over World Cup in India the year after.
“When people take opportunities then it makes selection incredibly hard for the next time out, but that’s something for down the road.
“We know we’re a developing team and we’re on a journey to get to where we want to get to.
“The fun bit is everyone’s going for it and I hope the players feel that in our dressing room, it’s OK to make mistakes and so that then frees them up to try things that they might not ordinarily try.”
Stokes to have scan on hamstring injury before Pakistan tour
Ben Stokes will have a scan on his hamstring injury next week with the England captain in a race to be fit for their first Test in Pakistan.
Stokes sustained the injury at the start of August and was subsequently absent from the series win over Sri Lanka.
The 33-year-old revealed earlier this month he was being cautious with his recovery rather than risking further damage with a premature return.
As well as netting throughout his recovery, Stokes has also featured in this week's Celebrity Pro-Am at the PGA Championship in Wentworth.
Despite the issue, he has been named as captain of England's 17-man squad, which is due to depart on October 1 before beginning the three-match series six days later.
England paceman Wood sidelined until 2025 with elbow injury
England bowler Mark Wood will miss the remainder of 2024 after sustaining an injury to his right elbow.
Wood played a full part in the first Test versus Sri Lanka at Old Trafford last month, despite suffering from stiffness and discomfort while bowling during July's series against West Indies.
Wood managed two wickets in that match as England sealed a five-wicket victory, but he was then replaced by Olly Stone for the second Test at Lord's, which ended in another comprehensive home win.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has now confirmed Wood's injury will rule him out of red-ball tours of Pakistan in October and New Zealand in December.
The ECB said it will closely monitor Wood's rehabilitation ahead of a potential return to action in early 2025, with England embarking on a white-ball tour of India – their first with Brendon McCullum in charge of their limited-over sides – in January.
They then head to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19.
Bairstow and Moeen left out of England's white-ball squad
Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali have both been left out of England's white-ball series squad, with five uncapped players named.
As Jos Buttler looks to the future, Warwickshire batting all-rounders, Jacob Bethell and Dan Mousley, have been given their first international call-ups for the three-match T20 series against Australia next month.
Essex batter Jordan Cox, Hampshire seamer John Turner and Leicestershire left-arm bowler Josh Hull, who was named as Mark Wood's replacement in the Test squad to play Sri Lanka, have also been picked.
The latter three will also be involved for the five one-day internationals that follow.
World Cup winners Bairstow and Moeen, who have been regular fixtures in England's white-ball squad for over a decade, could have made their final international appearances after being left out of the squad, with Chris Jordan also being overlooked.
Brydon Carse, however, has been recalled for both squads after serving a betting ban, while Saqib Mahmood returns for the T20 series after recovering from injury. Buttler will also be fit to feature after overcoming a calf injury.
Marcus Trescothick will lead England for the first time against Australia after being named Matthew Mott's interim replacement.
Mott left in July following England's semi-final exit to eventual champions India in the T20 World Cup, having also failed to help England defend their 50-over world title in 2023.
The first match of the T20 series will take place on September 11 at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
England T20 squad to play Australia:
Jos Buttler (captain), Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Josh Hull, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Saqib Mahmood, Dan Mousley, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, John Turner.
England ODI squad: Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Reece Topley, John Turner.
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