New Zealand vs England: Heather Knight's team begins preparations for the 2024 T20 World Cup

England's women are in search of consistency in New Zealand in the build-up to this year's T20 World Cup.

Heather Knight's side drew the Ashes against Australia at home and won a T20 series 2-1 in India.

However, they suffered a disappointing semi-final exit at the 2023 T20 World Cup and a chastening T20 series defeat by Sri Lanka at home. These issues need to be addressed by England and coach Jon Lewis before this autumn's T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

They will play against New Zealand in five T20s and three one-day internationals. The first T20 will start at 00:00 GMT on Tuesday in Dunedin.

WPL absenteeism is an opportunity

Four of England's top players will be absent from the first three T20s. Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt, Sophie Ecclestone, and Alice Capsey have been granted permission to remain in India to complete the Women's Premier League season. The league ended on Sunday with Royal Challengers Bangalore defeating Delhi Capitals in the final.

Sciver-Brunt, an all-rounder, and Ecclestone, the world's number one white-ball bowler, were rested for the Sri Lanka series defeat. Sciver-Brunt also missed the one T20 that England lost in India.

In New Zealand, England needs to demonstrate that they are not overly dependent on Sciver and Brunt.

The middle order is in question due to Sciver-Brunt's absence, with Maia Bouchier, 25, still trying to secure a spot and attacking batter Bess Heath, 22, having only played one international match.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Heath could put pressure on the incumbent, Amy Jones, who has not scored an international half-century since December 2022.

However, there are indications that England's depth is improving. This is evidenced by the emergence of all-rounder Dani Gibson, 22, and fast bowler Lauren Filer, 23, over the past year. Additionally, spinners Sarah Glenn, 24, and Charlie Dean, 23, now have considerably more experience.

Addressing concerns about spin

England's batsmen must address their vulnerability to spin, which has been frequently exploited by opponents and will be a significant factor in Bangladesh.

Since the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in South Africa in February, England has lost 87 wickets to spin and 45 to pace, across all formats.

In the Ashes, Australian off-spinner Ash Gardner claimed 23 wickets, while Deepti Sharma dismantled the line-up in India and Sri Lanka fielded a team packed with spinners.

The conditions in New Zealand may not be as spin-friendly as those in India or Bangladesh, but the White Ferns do have some talented spinners in their ranks, most notably leg-spinning all-rounder Amelia Kerr, although Kerr and Sophie Devine will miss the first T20 due to their WPL commitments.

Despite this, England is still favourites to win both series, with the hosts relying on Kerr and the experienced trio of all-rounder Devine, captain Suzie Bates, and seamer Lea Tahuhu.

Schedule

March

19 First T20, Dunedin (00:00 GMT)
22 Second T20, Nelson (00:00 GMT)
24 Third T20, Nelson (00:00 GMT)
27 Fourth T20, Wellington (00:00 GMT)
29 Fifth T20, Wellington (00:00 GMT)
31 First ODI, Wellington (23:00 GMT)

April

3 Second ODI, Hamilton (23:00 GMT)
7 Third ODI, Hamilton (00:00 GMT)