England women's team captain Heather Knight reveals plan for Pakistan ODI series

Both sides will play a series of three ODIs

By Web Desk
May 22, 2024

England captain Heather Knight wants her team to maintain their ruthless winning streak in the forthcoming ODI series against Pakistan.

Having effortlessly secured a 3-0 clean sweep in the T20 series, the hosts are gearing up for the commencement of the three ODIs, commencing in Derby on Thursday.

Despite the predominant focus on the shortest format, with the T20 World Cup looming in October, Knight asserts that there remains ample significance attached to the ODIs.

"For us, it's all about improving as a team, regardless of the format," she said.

"We want to keep winning series and win them ruthlessly, as we did in the T20s," she added.

In 2023, England participated in merely six ODIs, triumphing in both series against Australia and Sri Lanka. Additionally, their tour of New Zealand in April culminated in a 2-1 series victory.

The 50-over World Cup is scheduled for India in 2025, with three ODIs slated as part of the multi-format Ashes in January.

Under head coach Jon Lewis, England have pledged to adopt a more assertive playing style. Knight advocates for her team to uphold this approach in a longer format.

"Our aim is to always be positive but in ODIs, you do have that added time to read situations," said Knight.

"I don't think we got that tempo right in New Zealand, so hopefully we can show how we want to play here."

Opener Tammy Beaumont and seamer Kate Cross join the squad after missing the T20 series, while England will have to find a way to balance the side with all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt still unable to bowl.

England played three spinners in the T20s, with Sarah Glenn, Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean all in excellent form.

"We've not really played all three of them at the same time in 50-over cricket, but collectively they've been so good, it would be so hard to leave one of them out," said Knight.

"But with our batting, we want to be positive and have that depth, so the balance of the side is something we're going to consider."

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