England Women Host New Zealand on Sunday as Charlie Dean Takes ODI Helm

The opener gives England a chance to set their standards for a busy home summer before the T20 World Cup.

Overview

England face New Zealand in the first ODI on Sunday at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street, starting England’s 2026 international summer.
Charlie Dean captains the hosts with Nat Sciver-Brunt out as a precaution for a minor calf tear, and England are also without Mahika Gaur and Alice Capsey for the ODI leg.
New Zealand travel with momentum after a 2–1 home win over South Africa in April, highlighted by Amelia Kerr’s unbeaten 179 in a record chase.
Early-season conditions at the Riverside often help seamers, and England look to Lauren Bell after her career-best 5 for 22 in domestic one-day cricket.
TV coverage varies by region, with Sky Sports showing the match in the UK and Sony Sports and SonyLIV listed by previews for international viewers.