England v New Zealand: first women’s T20 international – live!

England reward Emma Lamb for a fine Hundred, and Ebony Rainford-Brent notes that England’s players now know what it takes to perform in front of a big crowd. I’m looking forward to seeing how Tash Farrant goes in her first international outing of the summer, because her pace and left-arm angle have the potential to win a lot of matches.

England: Beaumont, Wyatt, Sciver (c), Jones (wk), Dunkley, Lamb, Brunt, Ecclestone, Glenn, Villiers, Farrant.

New Zealand: Bates, Devine (c), Satterthwaite, Green, Halliday, Martin (wk), Jensen, Newton, Rowe, Kerr, Kasperek.

Sciver knew she’d be captaining yesterday and feel bad for her captain, but is happy to lead the team. She’d have bowled too, and is her players are looking forward to testing themselves against brilliant players; she hopes the music gets pumping and the crowd get involved.

Sophie Devine thinks there might be something in the pitch, which is why she made that call. She says she needed the break she took and is excited to welcome back Suzie Bates, whose batting and energy in the field have been missed.

It looks a bit parky at Chelmsford, and a bit grimy too, but I don’t think it’s going to rain.

I’ve been watching Nat Sciver for some years now, and I’ve only just noticed that her name is (sort of) what people at university call Natural Sciences (Nat Sci).

Eesh. Nat Sciver will wear the armband instead.

If you haven’t already, you should also check this important piece by Tanya Aldred:

It’s been a decent little summer for Sophia Dunkley, who was on press duty yesterday – you can see what she said if you click the link at the top of the page. But this line here, sounds so simple it’s almost cliched, and yet contained within it is a profound truth that is applicable to life beyond sport: be in the moment.

“This year has been one of my more successful ones,” Dunkley said. “For me it’s been my mindset [that has changed]. In the past it’s easy to get fixated on selections or games which are coming up. The more I’ve tried to think of each game as it comes and be in the moment, that’s where I’ve felt I’ve been able to impact the game more.”

Cricket that’s already underway: get it while it’s hot it’s lovely.

Good morrow one and all and welcome to the first of five T20 internationals between England and New Zealand!

This promises to be a belter of a series. England are closing in on Australia at the top of the world rankings, swept the White Ferns when the teams met in March, and are riding a Hundred wave which should ensure a sell-out crowd tonight. Already a good side, they’re not only getting better but getting deeper, in the process of integrating fresh talent from the domestic game that we should get to enjoy over the next few weeks, then again when England visit Pakistan next month.

New Zealand, meanwhile, can’t call upon so profound a pool of talent but do welcome back Sophie Devine, fresh following a break from the game, and Suzie Bates, recovered from a shoulder injury. Add to that their vice-captain, Amy Satterthwaite, and you’ve got plenty of scope to win any match, especially in the shorter formats. Go well everyone.

Play: 6.30pm BST