Charlie Dean says England can “set the bar for us” ahead of a big summer of cricket by playing New Zealand in the first ODI of the multi-format series as preparations for the Women’s T20 World Cup progress.
England play their first international match of 2026 at Chester-le-Street on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Cricket, when they host the White Ferns in the first of three ODIs.
Three T20 matches will then be played from May 20, before the New Zealand series concludes, before England face India in three more T20 matches at the end of the month. The World Cup begins next month, with England hosting Sri Lanka at Edgbaston in the tournament’s opening match on June 12.
Dean, who has captained the team in three ODIs, is keen to start on the right foot against New Zealand, with Nat Silver-Brunt out as a precautionary measure due to a minor tear in his left calf.
“It would be great to start with a win,” Dean said.
“I think this summer will set the standard for how we want to play.
“They’ve won some really good series. They played South Africa and won a high-scoring game. So we knew it was going to be a challenge, but we feel it’s a good opportunity for our young group to step up and show what we can do.”
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England Women’s T20 World Cup squad announced
Sunday’s match will be England’s first international match since losing to South Africa in the semi-final of the 50-over Women’s World Cup in October.
“It feels like maybe a fresh start in this format after the ODI World Cup in October,” Dean said.
“Obviously we have some new players joining the team and potentially some debuts on the horizon, so it’s a really exciting feeling.
“But we’re definitely looking at the World Cup. Obviously, we know the squad for the T20 World Cup, so a lot of the girls will probably focus a little bit on practice and see if we’re ready come June 12.”
“It’s going to be great to get a lot of cricket between now and then playing some really good teams. Obviously we’ll be playing New Zealand and then India. So we’ll just have to play a lot of cricket now and then and just keep our skills at zero and work hard to be ready for June 12.”
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Regarding playing without Shiver-Brant, Dean said: “It’s a bit disappointing not having Nat. It’s great that she’s been here training and being part of the group.”
“But playing three 50 overs was a little too much for her. But she should be fine for the rest of the summer, which is great.”
England will be without Mahika Gaur (broken leg) and Alice Capsey (illness) for the ODI match.
“I think the team is a little weak, but we’re ready to face the great challenge from the New Zealand squad,” Dean added.
“We are excited to get the international summer off to a good start.”
All 12 group matches and the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup between England, Scotland and Ireland will be available to watch on the Sky Sports app without a subscription.
England vs New Zealand series match schedule
1st ODI (Sunday 10th May) – Durham, Banks Homes Riverside (11am) 2nd ODI (Wednesday 13th May) – Northampton, County Ground (1pm) 3rd ODI (Saturday 16th May) – Cardiff, Sophia Gardens (11am) 1st T20 (Wednesday 20th May) – Derby, Central Cope County Ground (6.30pm) 2nd T20 (Saturday May 23) – Spitfire Ground, Canterbury (2.30pm) 3rd T20 (Monday 25 May) – 1st Central County Ground, Hove (2.30pm)
Watch the Women’s T20 World Cup live on Sky Sports and stream selected matches for free via the Sky Sports app. Don’t have Sky? Stream cricket without a contract now.
