In a recent development, Alice Capsey, the talented 20-year-old all-rounder, has been called up to the England women’s T20I squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa. This tour, set to take place from November 24 to December 18, will see England play three T20I matches and as many ODIs, culminating with a four-day Test match. Capsey’s inclusion comes as a response to minor injury concerns within the squad, showcasing the selectors’ confidence in her ability to perform under pressure.
Alice Capsey’s journey from setback to comeback
Capsey, initially omitted from the T20I squad after a disappointing performance during the Women’s T20 World Cup—where England faced an early exit—she was urged by head coach Jon Lewis to focus on consistency in her game. Lewis remarked on Capsey’s strong will and determination, suggesting that this period could serve as a pivotal moment in her career.
“What I do know about Alice is that she’s incredibly strong-willed and really determined to be the best player she can be. I’m really convinced that over a period of time this will be a line in the sand for her to look back and say ‘actually, I just need to adapt my game and play slightly more consistently when I pull on an England shirt,” he stated while announcing the squad.
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Capsey’s stellar performance in WBBL 2024
While her international form wavered, Capsey has been making waves in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024 with the Melbourne Renegades. In eight matches so far this season, she has scored 72 runs and taken 13 wickets, including a remarkable five-wicket haul. This performance places her third among the league’s top wicket-takers, proving that she is more than capable of handling the pressures of high-stakes cricket as an all-rounder.
As England prepares for their series against South Africa, starting with the first T20I at Buffalo Park Stadium on November 24, all eyes will be on Capsey. The team will also face challenges in Benoni and Centurion on November 27 and 30, respectively. This series not only provides an opportunity for Capsey to showcase her skills but also allows her to contribute to a team looking to regain its footing on the international stage.
England women’s squad for the T20Is in South Africa
Heather Knight (captain), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Paige Scholfield, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Alice Capsey
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.