The three-match ODI series between India and England Women kicked off today, July 16, at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, with both teams eager to fine-tune their squads ahead of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup later this year. Captained by Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver-Brunt respectively, the two sides entered the series following a hard-fought T20I series, which India won 3–2—a first-ever T20I series win on English soil for the visitors.
The return of Nat Sciver-Brunt from injury is a major boost for England. Not only is she a vital presence with the bat, but her all-round abilities provide balance to the team. Sciver-Brunt is also approaching a career milestone, closing in on 4,000 ODI runs. England are also bolstered by the return of Sophie Ecclestone, the world’s top-ranked ODI bowler, who has recovered from a knee injury and is set to play a crucial role with the ball on a pitch expected to assist spinners.
India, on the other hand, are riding high on confidence. Harmanpreet Kaur leads a team that has shown resilience, firepower, and improved depth in both batting and bowling. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal form a dynamic combination, with Rawal recently becoming the fastest Indian woman to reach 500 ODI runs. The middle order is fortified by the presence of Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh, while all-rounder Deepti Sharma provides stability and spin.
The bowling attack is expected to be spin-heavy from both sides, given the history of the Southampton surface, which has traditionally offered grip and turn. India will likely lean on the spin trio of Deepti Sharma, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Devika Vaidya, while England have Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, and Charlie Dean to rely on. In the pace department, Amanjot Kaur and Arundhati Reddy bring energy to the Indian lineup, while England will count on Kate Cross and Lauren Bell to exploit any early movement.
This series carries significant importance for both teams. For England, it is a chance to bounce back from the T20I series defeat and regain momentum. They have historically been strong in the ODI format, and playing at home offers a psychological edge. For India, it is an opportunity to consolidate their recent progress, experiment with combinations, and prove their adaptability across formats.
The opening match today is expected to set the tone for the series. With overcast conditions early in the day and a pitch favoring spin later on, team strategies around toss, powerplays, and middle overs will be vital. The contest between India’s aggressive top order and England’s disciplined bowling attack could well determine the match outcome.
This ODI series is not just about the immediate result—it’s a dress rehearsal for the global stage. With the Women’s World Cup looming, both India and England will look to answer key questions around their squad depth, form, and flexibility under pressure. The next few days promise competitive cricket, standout performances, and valuable insight into two of the strongest teams in the women’s game.