Cricket

Alice Capsey has been called up to England Women's T20I squad for their tour of South Africa, replacing an injured player. Capsey was initially omitted from the touring party due to a recent batting slump, but her impressive performances in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) have earned her a belated recall.Capsey's inclusion in the squad is a testament to her all-round abilities. Despite her struggles with the bat in recent months, she has been a standout performer with the ball in the WBBL, taking 13 wickets in eight innings. Her economy rate of 7.21 and best figures of 5 for 25 against the Perth Scorchers highlight her effectiveness as a bowler.England's decision to recall Capsey is also a reflection of the team's injury concerns. While the team has not disclosed the nature of the injuries, they have confirmed that several players are experiencing "minor niggles." Capsey's versatility as a batter and bowler makes her a valuable addition to the squad, providing cover for any potential absences.Capsey's recall is a boost for England, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. The team failed to reach the knockout stages of the tournament, and Capsey's struggles with the bat were a contributing factor. However, her recent form in the WBBL suggests that she has regained her confidence and is ready to make a significant contribution to the team.England will face South Africa in three T20Is, three ODIs, and a Test match during their tour. The T20I series begins on November 24 in East London, and Capsey will be hoping to make an immediate impact on her return to the international stage.

Alice Capsey's disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup has cost her a place in England's T20I squad for their upcoming tour of South Africa. The 18-year-old, who made her England debut in 2022, has been in poor form, scoring just 19 runs in three innings at the World Cup and 27 runs in five innings for the Melbourne Renegades in the Women's Big Bash League.Capsey's omission is a blow to England, who are looking to rebuild after their disappointing World Cup campaign. The team has been criticized for its fitness levels and its ability to handle pressure, and Capsey's absence will only add to the pressure on the remaining players.Paige Scholfield, who made her England debut in September, has been called up to the T20I squad, along with fast bowler Lauren Filer. Dani Gibson misses out after undergoing knee surgery.The tour will include a first Women's Test in South Africa since 2002, for which Freya Kemp and Maia Bouchier could be the notable debutants. Heather Knight retains her role as captain across formats.The tour is seen as a vital opportunity for England to reset their ambitions against a team that has now reached each of the last two T20 World Cup finals. The selected players have been training at Loughborough in the build-up to the series, with the T20I squad due to leave for South Africa on November 16, with the ODI and Test squads following on November 27.England Women's head coach Jon Lewis has hit back at criticism of the team's fitness levels, saying that the players are "in really good shape." He added that he would like to see more specific criticism from those who have questioned the team's fitness.The South Africa tour is seen as a vital staging post for England ahead of their next key objective, the Women's Ashes in Australia in January. Clare Connor, the ECB deputy chair and former women's captain, said that the tour is "a really good next experience" and "another preparation tour" for the Ashes.Connor also addressed the heightened scrutiny that the players had been under in the wake of the World Cup, and the sense that they had collapsed under the pressure. She said that the team will be looking at how to build in resilience to pressure and improve decision-making and skill retention under pressure.

Oval Invincibles emerged victorious in their clash against Welsh Fire at Cardiff, securing a six-wicket triumph. England's rising star, Alice Capsey, once again showcased her brilliance, contributing a well-crafted 59 runs to the Invincibles' total.Capsey's innings, spanning 48 deliveries, featured seven boundaries. Her dismissal, a spectacular catch by Hayley Matthews off Freya Davies, came with 27 runs still required. However, all-rounders Marizanne Kapp (26*) and Mady Villiers (11*) stepped up to the plate, guiding the Invincibles to victory with 12 balls to spare.The Invincibles' chase faced an early setback with the dismissal of Lauren Winfield-Hill on the second ball. Paige Schofield and Capsey steadied the innings, reaching 37 for 1 after 20 balls. Capsey survived a crucial drop by Ismail off Jess Jonassen and went on to reach her half-century from 42 deliveries.Welsh Fire, who elected to bat first, struggled to gain momentum. Tammy Beaumont departed early, followed by the dangerous Hayley Matthews. Sophia Dunkley's 35 from 26 balls provided some resistance, but Amanda-Jade Wellington's dismissal of Dunkley and Jonassen's unbeaten 32 from 22 balls left Welsh Fire with a below-par total of 116 for 5.Capsey, named the Meerkat Match Hero, expressed her satisfaction with her performance, highlighting the importance of capitalizing on the pace in the powerplay and building partnerships. She also emphasized her improved calmness, which has contributed to her success.

Alice Capsey, the 18-year-old English cricket sensation, has opened up about the challenges she has faced in balancing her demanding schedule and maintaining her mental well-being. Despite her impressive achievements, Capsey has taken a step back this season to prioritize her personal growth and performance.Since her breakout season in the inaugural Women's Hundred, Capsey has played a staggering 93 top-level T20 matches, leading to a toll on her physical and mental health. She has opted out of regional cricket this season to focus on her international commitments and take breaks when necessary."I've been under the spotlight for the last three years, and it's taken its toll," Capsey admitted. "I've taken a step back this year to prioritize myself and focus on what matters to me as a person and a cricketer."Capsey's decision has paid dividends, as she recently scored a career-best 67 not out against New Zealand in the third T20I, securing victory for England. She acknowledged that she is still learning and developing as a player, but she is confident in her role at No. 3 in the batting order."I know that it's not going to come off every time, but on nights like these, it's about going big and securing the win," Capsey said. "I feel the most calm and controlled I've felt in a very long time."England head coach Jon Lewis has expressed his desire for Capsey to become one of the team's top-five batters in ODIs, while also recognizing her current focus on the shorter format. Capsey has also been keen to contribute with her part-time offspin, but she acknowledges the strength of England's spin-bowling department."I'd love to bowl, but I stand no chance with those three," Capsey said, referring to Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, and Charlie Dean. "They perform day in, day out, and when I do get the opportunity, I'm going to make the most of it."As England prepares for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, Capsey is embracing the team's experimental approach and the opportunity to explore different options. She believes that the team's adaptability and freedom to play to their strengths will be crucial to their success.

England's experimental T20I squad continued their dominance over New Zealand, securing an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series with a six-wicket victory in Canterbury. Sophie Ecclestone's exceptional bowling performance, coupled with an unbeaten half-century from Alice Capsey, proved too much for the White Ferns.Ecclestone's four-wicket haul, including the crucial dismissal of New Zealand captain Sophie Devine, stifled the visitors' batting efforts. Devine's defiant 58* and Suzie Bates' 38 provided some resistance, but England's bowlers maintained control throughout the innings.In response, England's top-order struggled initially, losing two quick wickets to Fran Jonas. However, Sophia Dunkley's 26-ball 35 and Capsey's unbeaten 67* steadied the ship. Capsey's highest T20I score, coming off 60 deliveries, showcased her maturity and composure under pressure.Freya Kemp's quickfire 16* off eight balls sealed the victory for England, despite New Zealand's missed chances in the field. The White Ferns will rue their inability to capitalize on their opportunities, as England's clinical performance highlighted the gulf in class between the two sides.With two matches remaining in the series, England's experimental approach has paid dividends. The team has shown depth and versatility, with several players stepping up to fill key roles. As the series progresses, it will be intriguing to see if England continues to rotate their squad and give more players a chance to impress.

England's Alice Capsey and Maia Bouchier propelled their team to a formidable total of 89 for 6 in a rain-shortened second T20I against New Zealand in Hove. Capsey's blistering 28 off 15 deliveries and Bouchier's composed 23 off 15 set the stage for England's victory.Despite the persistent rain delaying the start by two hours and reducing the match to nine overs per side, England's batters showcased their adaptability. Capsey and Bouchier found the boundary with ease, while Heather Knight contributed a quickfire 15 and Sophie Ecclestone ended the innings with a towering six.New Zealand's chase faltered under the pressure of Charlie Dean's exceptional bowling. Dean ripped through the Kiwi batting lineup, claiming two wickets in a single over for just three runs. Her victims included the dangerous Suzie Bates and Brooke Halliday, leaving New Zealand reeling at 28 for 3.Sarah Glenn's diving catch to dismiss Bates further dented New Zealand's hopes. Jess Kerr's dismissal off Ecclestone's bowling sealed the victory for England, who took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match series.The match was ultimately decided by the DLS method due to the persistent rain, with England emerging victorious by 23 runs. Dean's impressive figures of 2 for 3 in 1.4 overs proved decisive in securing the win.