A clean sweep but there’s bad news on Freya
England’s women secured a clean sweep of victories in their ODI series against the West Indies, beating the hosts by 151 runs in yesterday’s final match to earn a 3-0 win.
The tourists had won the series on Wednesday with a 142-run win in Antigua and the West Indies were also beaten by 142 runs in the series opener.
But England easily secured a third win in the final clash, refusing the hosts any small redemption.
Nat Sciver was awarded player of the match for her effort, making 85 runs off 69 balls in England’s total of 256 all out.
Sophie Ecclestone then claimed three for nine in nine overs as the Windies were dismissed for 105 in 37.3 overs.
The all-rounder, who withdrew from England’s series against India in September, said: “In terms of performance I just wanted to make sure I enjoyed myself, especially being back on the pitch, so without any expectations it’s been brilliant really. I’ve surprised myself.
“I think the switching mindset that Lewy (Jon Lewis) wants us to live and breathe out on the pitch, has really helped as well.
“It has taken it away from the actual skills and switched it back to the mindset which has worked for me.
“I wouldn’t have thought anything would change with our game plans ahead of T20IS,
I don’t see Lewy going defensive now heading into the shorter format.”
There was some disappointing news for England on Saturday, though, with teenage all-rounder Freya Kemp ruled out of the five forthcoming T20 matches because of a back problem.
The 17-year-old is the second England player to head home early after Alice Capsey broke her collarbone in a fielding accident last weekend.
An ECB statement said: “Freya Kemp has been ruled out of the rest of the West Indies series with back pain limiting her cricket. Kemp will return to the UK on Saturday for further exploratory scans.”
■ Ishan Kishan sent the records tumbling yesterday as he inspired India to a 227-run victory in the third one-day international against Bangladesh.
The 24-year-old hit the fastest double hundred in men’s ODI history as his 210 off just 126 balls surpassed Chris Gayle’s 138-ball double ton seven years ago.
He became the youngest batter to hit a double century, with his second ton coming in just 41 balls, in the 50-over format and it was the highest individual score against Bangladesh.
Virat Kohli was also in the runs in Chittagong, hitting 113 off 91 balls, as India racked up 409 for eight in their 50 overs.
A Bangladesh chase was never on the cards and they were bowled out for 182 in 32 overs.