Charlie Dean will lead the England Women’s cricket team in a three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Ireland this September. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) named a 15-player squad that featured several fresh faces and experimental roles.
Regular captain Nat Sciver-Brunt will miss the series to rest and manage a long-term calf injury. These matches will take place at Grace Road in Leicester, the County Ground in Derby, and New Road in Worcester from 1 September and 6 September 2026.
Charlie Dean Steps Up as Captain
Somerset all-rounder Charlie Dean takes over the captaincy for this bilateral series. She has led the national side before when other senior players were unavailable. Specifically, Dean captained England during their series against New Zealand earlier this summer and during several T20 World Cup matches. Her return to the leadership role comes after she finished an impressive summer of cricket.
Charlie Dean will lead England in the three-match ODI series against Ireland pic.twitter.com/673eXDrb8J
— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) August 17, 2026
Somerset teammates and coaches have praised her leadership skills during domestic competitions. Meanwhile, the coaching staff views this series as a chance for Dean to show her tactical skills against a growing Ireland side. This series marks the start of a new chapter for the team following the retirement of former captain Heather Knight.
Managing Fitness and Key Absentees
The ECB decided to rest several regular starters to help them recover from a busy international summer. Nat Sciver-Brunt has struggled with a calf injury for several months. Although she played as a specialist batter for Trent Rockets in The Hundred, she needs more time to return to full bowling fitness. She will also skip the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) to prepare herself for future tours.
Nat Sciver-Brunt will skip England’s upcoming ODI series against Ireland as part of her injury management, with Charlie Dean reprising her summer role as stand-in captain https://t.co/AorzBzjJG3
— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) August 17, 2026
Likewise, Danni Wyatt-Hodge is recovering from a left calf tear. Top-rated bowlers Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell will also sit out this series to manage their workloads. Furthermore, wicketkeeper Amy Jones is one of the five senior players not selected this time.
Alice Capsey Takes the Gloves in New Role
In a surprising move, Alice Capsey will serve as the primary wicketkeeper for the Ireland ODIs. Capsey acted as the reserve keeper during the T20 World Cup but has rarely kept wicket in professional matches. She only started focusing on her wicketkeeping skills earlier this year to increase her chances of selection. Her first experience with the gloves in a professional game was a warm-up match against India in June.
Alice Capsey will keep wicket in England’s ODI series against Ireland.
Really interesting move, which – if it goes well – puts Amy Jones under pressure but also opens up so many options around the balance of the team.https://t.co/Ina6tytMI6
— Nick Friend (@NickFriend1) August 17, 2026
However, Capsey has proven her talent as an explosive batter, recently scoring 81 runs off just 43 balls against India. Moving into the wicketkeeper-batter role allows her to stay in the team even when the batting line-up is crowded. Head coach Charlotte Edwards wants to see if Capsey can replace Amy Jones in the long term. Meanwhile, Kira Chathli from Surrey will act as the backup wicketkeeper if Capsey needs support.
Uncapped Talent and New Selections
The 15-player squad includes two players who have never played for England before. These uncapped players are Kira Chathli and seam bowler Grace Potts. Although they have been part of previous training squads, this is their first chance to earn an official cap. Both players have performed well for their counties and in regional competitions this summer.
Furthermore, all-rounder Charis Pavely could make her ODI debut after previously playing two T20 matches for England. Another important return is Ryana MacDonald-Gay, who missed significant time due to a lower back injury. Also, Tilly Corteen-Coleman is listed in the squad after making her debut against New Zealand.
The three-match series will travel across the country during the first week of September. England enters this series as the favorites, but they expect a tough challenge from the Irish team. All matches are part of the ICC Women’s Championship, which helps teams qualify for the next World Cup.
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