England cricket: Charlotte Edwards says batting is giving her ‘headache’ ahead of T20 World Cup qualifiers

White-Hodge, given her experience and pre-season form for Surrey before the start of the international winter, is likely to slot straight in at the top of the order but there are question marks over who should join her.

Alice Capsey stepped up to open the tournament against New Zealand in the absence of White Hodge, and the 21-year-old immediately hit the mark. Unbeaten 74 in series opener 18 points in the derby before and two three scores in the next.

Wyatt-Hodge’s regular partner, Sophia Dunkley, scored eight, 26 and 22 in what was a disappointing start but continued to fail to launch.

Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight have been mainstays of England’s middle order for years and although Knight’s 100 strike rate could at times allow pressure to build in this series, it is highly unlikely before such an important domestic tournament.

Still, the side’s balance depends largely on Sciver-Brunt’s handling of her injury.

All-rounders Danny Gibson and Freya Kemp are valuable assets for Edwards. Both are power-hitters who can bowl at all levels, they are electric in the field and Kemp offers a valuable left-handed option with bat and ball – but when the two stalwarts return, it feels like one of them or Capsey is the most vulnerable.

But Edwards insisted she was not worried about Sciver-Brunt, who has played just two games of competitive cricket since February, and praised England’s depth for giving her a selection dilemma.

“If there’s anyone in world cricket who doesn’t worry about the lack of cricket she has, it’s Nat,” Edwards said.

“We played without those two and Lauren Bell, who was rested (for the third game at Hove). That was really exciting – we’ve got this depth in our squad now and we’ve won the world championships, so we’re really excited.”