Danny Watt-Hodge is available for the second and third T20Is against India to boost England ahead of the World Cup

England opener Danny Watt-Hodge will be available for the second and third matches of the T20 series against India after the birth of his first child.

Wyatt-Hodge, 35, missed the recent series win against New Zealand after his partner gave birth last week.

The series kicks off in Chelmsford on Thursday, with the second match on Saturday and the third on the following Tuesday.

Wyatt-Hedge’s addition to the squad gives a boost to England’s T20 World Cup preparations as he would otherwise go into the tournament starting on June 12 without competitive internationals this summer.

England are already without injured captain Nat Syver-Brunt, who missed six white-ball matches against New Zealand and will also miss the series against India with a calf injury.

In the absence of the experienced Watt-Hodge, Alice Capsey pressed her case at the top of the order An unbeaten 74 took England to victory in the first T20 against New Zealand. Coach Charlotte Edwards admitted Monday Don’t know his best XI.

Current opener Sophia Dunkley scored eight, 26 and 22 against the White Ferns.

Although Watt-Hodge has not played an international this summer, he has been in fine form with two centuries and a 96 in five 50-over matches for Surrey earlier in the season.

Batter Charice Pavelli has returned to Warwickshire following the return of White-Hodge but batter Maia Bouchier will remain in the squad for the India game.

Seamer Lauren Filler has been released to play for Durham against Surrey on Wednesday. He will then join the England team.

The series provides England’s last competitive matches before the World Cup, although they play official warm-up matches against Australia and India on 8 and 10 June.