Alexa Stonehouse receives maiden England women's ODI call-up

Alexa Stonehouse (Pic: Getty)

Following her outstanding domestic cricket performances, England has selected uncapped bowler Alexa Stonehouse for the current ICC Women's Championship ODI series against the New Zealand women's national cricket team.

Before the second ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed Stonehouse's inclusion, according to the ICC.

In five games, the young left-arm seamer has taken eight wickets at an average of 25.12 in the domestic One-Day Cup. Her recent form has been particularly noteworthy, with back-to-back three-wicket hauls against Durham and Somerset helping her secure a maiden senior call-up.

After defeating the White Ferns by one wicket in an exciting first match in Durham on May 10, England now leads the three-match ODI series 1-0.

The New Zealand women, who were asked to bat first, set a target of 211 runs for the hosts following crucial half-centuries from captain Amelia Kerr (55 off 82 balls) and Maddy Green (88 off 107 balls). For England, Charlotte Dean, the stand-in captain, scored the winning run as the hosts chased down the mark in the last over.

The ongoing white-ball tour serves as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, which will be hosted in England and Wales beginning June 12.

Defending champions New Zealand have been placed in Group 2 of the tournament alongside hosts England, Ireland, Scotland, Sri Lanka and the West Indies. England will open the competition against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston.

Charlie Dean is in charge of England's ODI team for the New Zealand series, which also features seasoned players like Sophie Ecclestone, Heather Knight, Amy Jones, and Issy Wong.

Following the match against Northampton, the series' final ODI will take place in Cardiff on May 16. The third game will decide the series if New Zealand wins the second.

England women's ODI squad against NZ

Charlie Dean (c), Em Arlott, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Kira Chathli, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur, Dani Gibson, Jodi Grewcock, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith, Alexa Stonehouse, Issy Wong

(With ANI Input)