Five things we learnt from England's West Indies ODI series victory

Telegraph

6 hours ago

Almost before England closed out their ODI series victory over the West Indies in Taunton, attention had already turned to the upcoming one against India.
Charlotte Edwards' tenure as England head coach had got off to the perfect start, but it was an expected win against a side depleted of standout names, aside from Hayley Matthews.
After a five-hour rain delay in Somerset, England secured the whitewash victory by nine wickets, chasing down the amended 106 runs to win inside 11 overs with an experimental batting line-up.
Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and Edwards have enjoyed a flawless start to their new England roles, and Telegraph Sport takes a look at what can be ascertained from the win.
Amy Jones looks cut out to solve opening problem
In the first two one-day internationals, Edwards decided to change things up in the England batting order, choosing wicketkeeper Amy Jones to open alongside Tammy Beaumont.
Jones responded to being moved up the order for the first time since 2019 by hitting her first century in international cricket – albeit she was dropped on 43 – making scores of 122 and 129.
Previously Jones had been used further down the order and after a disappointing Ashes with the bat, during which she misjudged how many balls had been bowled – a costly decision that played a key part in England's defeat in Melbourne. But opening against the West Indies she has looked more comfortable with the role.
Jones was not needed to bat in the first two T20 matches as England eased to victory, but she and Beaumont looked to have cemented their places at the top of the order for the longer white-ball format.
Rewarding domestic performances pay off
Em Arlott was awarded player of the match in only her second T20 international, taking three wickets and two catches on her first national call-up since 2022. Having been called up twice before, for a Test in 2021 and another red-ball game in 2022, she did not take to the field until the start of the T20 series against the West Indies.
Emma Lamb and Alice Davidson-Richards were also recalled for the ODI series, being rewarded for their performances in domestic cricket, something that had been lacking in the previous regime.
Edwards' decision to call up those who have performed in the domestic game has resonated with those not in the international set-up as well as – in the case of Arlott – providing match-winners to the international side.
Linsey Smith or Sophie Ecclestone?
Linsey Smith was brought in for Sophie Ecclestone, who was left out mainly because of a knee injury, although she recovered to play her first game for Lancashire the day the squad was announced. Since coming into the side, Smith has been a strong fielder and even better bowler, taking a five-wicket haul on her one-day international debut in Derby.
Smith has been in and out of the England side since coming in as an additional spin option for the T20 World Cup in the autumn, but has played a significant role under Edwards so far.
The England and Wales Cricket Board has announced that Ecclestone will take a break from all cricket, including domestically, because of injury and to prioritise her 'well-being', but it remains to be seen, even if she is fit, whether her previous exploits and standings would warrant an immediate return to the side, given Smith's recent success.
Nat Sciver-Brunt as captain
Nat Sciver-Brunt has overseen 3-0 T20 and ODI wins for her first series as captain, but has not really been tested.
The West Indies, as expected, have not provided the most difficult challenge, therefore any tactical tweaks have not been called for.
However, Sciver-Brunt does play a role in selecting the side, who have proven more than enough to beat the West Indies without breaking sweat, and given chances to the likes of Arlott and Smith who have made match-winning contributions.
The real test is to come
Arguably, had England played the West Indies last summer under the previous head coach, the outcome would have been the same.
Matthews was exceptional in the first T20, but none of the other players made convincing contributions, and that has largely stayed the same throughout.
India, who arrive for their first T20 on June 28, will be a much sterner test.