England’s 3-0 ODI series victory over South Africa rested on Tammy Beaumont, whose match winning 65 not out ensured England win a rain affected game. But England’s triumph was overshadowed by a blow, in the form of veteran bowler Kate Cross leaving the field early after a back injury, as the team prepares for next month’s Women’s Ashes series.
Cross went off injured in the first over, bowled just five balls and had to leave the field to be the decider in Potchefstroom after wet weather and lightning delayed play. To lose Cross in the very first over going down in England captain Heather Knight to bowl first was a major blow. Alice Capsey was brought in to finish the over, and takes two wickets, including that of South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp for 38. England’s bowlers recovered remarkably well after the early disturbance, with Sophie Ecclestone claiming two for 26 and Charlie Dean also taking two. The standout player for South Africa was captain Laura Wolvaardt, who held the innings together with a well made 61. South Africa were all out for 233/8.
England revised its target to 152 from 23 overs after lengthy delay owing to weather. Tourists slumped early in the chase, Maia Bouchier and Nat Sciver-Brunt falling cheaply in the first over against Kapp. Knight and Danni Wyatt-Hodge quickly followed and England found themselves in a precarious position on 63 for 4.
But Beaumont remained calm under pressure, scoring a brilliant knock to anchor the chase. But wicketkeeper batter Amy Jones became her key ally and they kept ticking over the scoreboard, finding gaps and rotating strike. Beaumont gets to her fastest ODI fifty, as Jones does too, with second fastest English woman to 2,000 ODI runs in terms of balls faced.
Jones nailed two vital fours and then Beaumont sealed victory with a boundary through fine leg as victory slipped from their grasp with a win in sight. England, who made 154/4 to clinch a 3-0 series win, denied them victory in the final words as they came out on top by six wickets with four overs to spare.
But the series victory is positive for England, although the injury to Kate Cross is a worrying one, particularly as the Women’s Ashes approach. Her fitness will be watched closely in the weeks to come as Cross has played a role in England’s bowling attack. England will be happy overall with their performance in the series, given the batting contributions of Jones and Beaumont in the final game.