Cricket

England's dominance over New Zealand continued in the fourth T20I at The Kia Oval, as they secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory. Sarah Glenn's exceptional bowling performance, claiming four wickets for just 19 runs, proved decisive in restricting the White Ferns to a modest total of 103 for 8.New Zealand's innings got off to a promising start, with Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer putting on 33 runs in the powerplay. However, Glenn's introduction into the attack proved to be a game-changer. She dismissed Plimmer and Amelia Kerr in quick succession, sparking a collapse that saw the White Ferns lose four wickets for just 13 runs.Sophie Ecclestone also played a crucial role, claiming two wickets, including that of Bates, who had been New Zealand's top scorer in the series. Maddy Green and Jess Kerr fell to Glenn's spin, completing her four-wicket haul. Izzy Gaze's 25 was the highest score for the White Ferns, but they were eventually bowled out for 103.In response, England's openers, Sophia Dunkley and Danni Wyatt, made light work of the chase. They put on a 54-run partnership, with Dunkley scoring 26 off 15 balls and Wyatt contributing 26 off 24. Dunkley's dismissal brought Alice Capsey to the crease, but she fell cheaply for 9. Wyatt followed soon after, holing out to Fran Jonas.However, England were cruising by this point, needing just 31 runs off 77 balls. Nat Sciver-Brunt sealed the victory with back-to-back fours off Amelia Kerr, giving England a 4-0 lead in the T20I series.England's depth was once again on display, with Dunkley and Wyatt forming a successful opening partnership. The return of Heather Knight also strengthened the batting lineup, while Glenn and Ecclestone continued to impress with their spin bowling.

England's spin quartet, led by Sarah Glenn's three-wicket haul, dominated New Zealand in the first T20I, setting the stage for a thrilling five-match series. Glenn's legspin proved devastating, claiming the wickets of experienced batters Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine. Off-spinner Charlie Dean chipped in with two wickets, while world No. 1 Sophie Ecclestone and Linsey Smith took one each.Glenn expressed her delight at being part of such a formidable spin attack, emphasizing the diversity and effectiveness of each bowler. She welcomed the addition of Smith, who has consistently performed well in the powerplay and at the death.England captain Heather Knight indicated that the team would experiment with different combinations during the series to finalize their squad for the T20 World Cup in October. Glenn expressed confidence in the spin-heavy lineup, stating that it provided multiple perspectives and support.Despite their spin dominance, England dropped several catches and misfielded, which could have resulted in an even wider margin of victory. However, Glenn remained optimistic, believing that the team could improve their fielding with focus and intent.New Zealand's Suzie Bates acknowledged the challenge posed by England's spinners but expressed faith in her team's ability to counter-attack. She emphasized the need for bravery and aggression against the world-class spin attack.The series, which moves to Hove on Tuesday, will provide both teams with valuable preparation for the T20 World Cup. England will look to refine their spin-heavy strategy, while New Zealand will aim to find ways to neutralize it.

England's Sarah Glenn, having overcome a concussion, is eager to resume her role as a key spinner in the team's preparations for the T20 World Cup. The leg-spinner missed the latter part of the New Zealand series due to a head injury but has since regained fitness and played in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.Glenn, alongside Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean, forms a formidable spin trio for England. They will face a stern test against Pakistan in a three-match T20I series starting on Saturday. The series will serve as a crucial build-up to the World Cup in Bangladesh in October.While Glenn, Ecclestone, and Dean are the established spinners, they are aware of the competition from Linsey Smith, who has returned to the England squad after a five-year absence. Smith's impressive performance in a warm-up match against Pakistan has kept her in contention.Glenn acknowledges the competitive nature of the team and the pressure to maintain her place. She believes that the trio of spinners must continue to perform consistently to retain their spots.Despite the focus on the World Cup, Glenn remains cautious about the conditions in Bangladesh. She emphasizes the importance of adapting to the unfamiliar pitches and communicating effectively as a bowling unit.The Pakistan series will provide England with valuable experience against different batters and prepare them for the challenges they will face in the World Cup. Glenn is excited to see how the pitches play and is confident that the team will continue to develop their game in the lead-up to the tournament.

England's T20I and ODI campaign against New Zealand has been dealt a blow with the news that legspinner Sarah Glenn has been ruled out due to concussion. Glenn sustained the injury during the third T20I in Nelson, where she landed heavily after dropping a catch.Despite initially staying on the field and bowling the next over, Glenn was eventually substituted out for Holly Armitage at the change of innings. She missed the fourth T20I in Wellington and will now miss at least the first two ODIs as she follows the ECB's Graded Return to Play Protocols.Glenn's absence is a significant loss for England, as she is a key member of their spin attack. However, the team was able to replace her with Sophie Ecclestone in Wellington, who returned to the squad after featuring in the Women's Premier League (WPL).Alongside Ecclestone, Danni Wyatt, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Alice Capsey also became available for the fourth T20I, which England won by a commanding 47 runs to wrap up the series.Offspinner Charlie Dean claimed four wickets in the fourth T20I, and with Ecclestone and Glenn also available, England could field a formidable spin attack for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.Meanwhile, New Zealand have an injury concern of their own after captain Sophie Devine sustained a quad strain in Wellington. Devine was limited to one over and did not bat, and will undergo an MRI scan on Thursday to determine the extent of the injury."Probably just a small niggle," Devine said. "Just looking ahead with the one-dayers being really important with WC [World Championship] points. I probably wanted to get back out there but someone with a bit more of a rational brain kept me off."