The Hayley Matthews-led West Indies would be keen to put aside their severe drubbing (3-0) in the recently concluded three-match T20I series against England. With a clean slate, the focus now shifts to the longer version of the game as the caravan moves on to the three-match ODI series.
The much-anticipated ODI series opener at County Ground, Derby, the fantasy cricket landscape is abuzz with potential match-winners. England would love to continue their dominant show, while the West Indies would be aiming for redemption, with a renewed purpose in the ODI format. Below is our thoughtfully crafted fantasy 11 for the 1st ODI between England and the West Indies.
Fantasy 11 for England Women vs West Indies Women, 1st ODI –
Wicketkeeper:
Amy Jones (England):
Reliable behind the stumps, Amy Jones brings not only sharp glovework but also the ability to stabilise and accelerate the innings as required. Her knack for scoring under pressure and contributing handy runs in the middle and lower order makes her the ideal fantasy wicket-keeper selection. She has scored 2,137 runs at a strike rate of 83.05 and an average of 30.09, including 14 half-centuries in 81 innings with the bat for her side in the format. She is also on the cusp of 4,000 International runs.
Batters:
Tammy Beaumont (England):
A specialist opener, Beaumont’s composure at the top of the order provides England with solid starts. Her classical technique and shot range set the platform for big scores, making her a must-have for fantasy lineups, especially in home conditions. She has scored 4,274 runs at a strike rate of 75.43 and a sensational average of 40.70 in the ODI format, which includes 23 half-centuries and 10 centuries to her name for her side so far. Her best performance with the bat for England came against Pakistan, when she stayed unbeaten on 168* (144 balls) on 27th June 2016 at County Ground, Taunton. She is poised to play a crucial role at the top of the order for England in the upcoming ODI series.
Emma Lamb (England):
Versatile as both a batter and a part-time spinner, Lamb’s recent performances in the domestic circuit representing Lancashire in the ECB Women’s One Day Cup underline her potential as an ODI asset. She is currently miles ahead in terms of leading the run-scoring charts in the tournament with 577 runs at an average of 82.42 in 8 innings for her side. Her tally of runs included 5 half-centuries and a century to her name, earning her a recall in the England ODI set-up for the upcoming three-match series with the West Indies. Her consistency and ability to anchor or accelerate an innings, coupled with off-spin skills, offer valuable points on both fronts. She has scored 396 runs at an average of 30.46, including a couple of half-centuries and a century to her name in 13 innings with the bat for her side in the format.
Shabika Gajnabi (West Indies):
Gajnabi’s all-round prowess brings depth to the West Indies line-up. She’s capable of producing impactful innings with the bat for her side, and her occasional medium pace can break partnerships, making her an under-the-radar fantasy gem. She has scored 144 runs in 21 innings and picked up 5 wickets at an economy of 5.41 in 6 innings with the ball for her side in the format so far.
All-rounders:
Hayley Matthews (West Indies):
Hayley Matthews is the engine room of the West Indian side. Fresh off her Player of the Series performance in the T20Is, she leads by example with both bat and ball. Her multidimensional skillset, opening the batting, bowling, incisive off-spin, and inspirational leadership, make her the standout captaincy choice for this Fantasy 11. With her ability to turn games single-handedly, she’s essential for maximising fantasy returns. She has scored 2,922 runs at a strike rate of 75.58 and an impressive average of 33.58 in 92 innings, which includes 9 centuries and 7 half-centuries to her name in the format. Besides her impactful contributions with the bat, she has also picked up 119 wickets at an average of 23.73 and an economy of 4.09, which includes 5 four-wicket hauls with the ball for her side in the format, so far. She is a fantasy manager’s ultimate dream captain.
Nat Sciver-Brunt (England):
As England’s captain, Sciver-Brunt is renowned for her composure and ability to contribute in high-pressure moments. With a fluent batting style and the knack for vital breakthroughs with the ball, she’s a reliable all-round pick. Her leadership ensures she’s always in the game, adding substantial fantasy value. However, she is unlikely to play a part as a bowler but still has the potential to be a game-changer with the bat for your side. She has scored 3,811 runs at a strike rate of 94.61 and a sensational average of 45.91, which includes 22 half-centuries and 9 centuries in 102 innings with the bat for her side in the format so far. Besides her exploits with the ball, she has also picked up 79 wickets at an average of 31.27 and an economy of 4.42, which includes one four-wicket haul in 100 innings with the ball for her side in the format.
Charlie Dean (England):
Dean’s sharp off-spin and inventive batting have made her a consistent performer for England. She not only keeps the pressure on through tidy overs but can also chip in with crucial runs, justifying her inclusion as a dependable all-rounder. She has picked up 71 wickets at an impressive average of 20.81 and an economy of 4.65, which includes 6 four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul in just 39 innings with the ball for her side in the format. She has also chipped in with 359 runs at an average of 19.94 in 25 innings with the bat for her side in the ODI format.
Zaida James (West Indies):
Zaida James brings a fresh left-arm angle into the attack, often troubling batters with her orthodox spin. Her ability to contribute with the bat, especially in tight situations, provides the West Indies with much-needed balance, making her a smart choice for fantasy players seeking versatility. She has picked up 12 wickets at an average of 22.58 and an economy of 4.59 in 13 innings with the ball for her side. She has also scored 183 runs in 18 innings with the bat in the ODI format, making her a handy inclusion in your side.
Bowlers:
Lauren Bell (England):
Known for her ability to generate late swing and bowl in difficult conditions, Bell is a strike bowler for England. Her opening bursts can yield early wickets, giving fantasy managers valuable points upfront. She has picked up 34 wickets at an average of 24.58 and an economy of 5.39 in 19 innings, including one four-wicket haul and one five-wicket haul with the ball for her side in the ODI format. She has also scored 27 runs in 8 innings with the bat for her side.
Aaliyah Alleyne (West Indies):
Alleyne’s decent pace and aggressive approach offer the West Indies an attacking option with the ball. She’s also handy with the bat in the lower order and is a frequent contributor in the field, adding well-rounded fantasy value. She has picked up 38 wickets at an average of 26.31 and an economy of 5.27 in 37 innings, including one four-wicket haul with the ball for her side. She has also scored 404 runs at an average of 14.96 in 35 innings with the bat for her side so far.
Emily Arlott (England):
Emily Arlott has emerged as a pivotal figure in England’s pace battery in the recently concluded three-match T20I series. She was the 2nd highest wicket-taker for her side and the series with 6 wickets in three innings with the ball in the T20Is. Her consistency and ability to strike during middle overs make her a reliable fantasy vice-captain pick. Arlott’s utility with the bat further raises her ceiling, and her fielding prowess only amplifies her points potential. She is yet to make her ODI debut for England.
This Fantasy 11 strikes the right balance between star power, all-round ability, and emerging talent, tailored for the specific conditions at Derby. With both sides boasting match-winners and promising youngsters, expect an action-packed series opener, and with these selections, your fantasy fortunes could well be on the rise.
