Freya Kemp: Should England promote all-rounder after impressing in T20 against India? | cricket news

Are England getting the most out of Freya Kemp, or should she move up the pecking order?

The all-rounder’s inspired display helped England level their three-match Twenty20 series against India with a 26-run win in Bristol.

Kemp starred early with the bat as he scored a superb unbeaten 39 off 13 balls, including two sixes, to take England to 168-5 in their 20 overs.

The 21-year-old Indian derailed the run chase with the wickets of Smriti Mandhana and Jemima Rodriguez as the visitors were restricted to 142-9.

England’s win sets up a series decider at Taunton – Live Sky Sports – Tuesday, but with just two weeks to go before their World Twenty20 opener against Sri Lanka, Kemp appears to be timing his selection to perfection.

Sky Sports Cricketer Tash Farrant hailed Kemp’s match-winning performance – and urged the England selectors to exploit his talents at the highest order.

“Make him face the ball as much as possible,” said Farrant, the former England international. “He brings energy and knows he can clear boundaries easily.

“We’ve been waiting for a left-handed batsman since Lydia Greenway retired so if we have one in the middle order – a power hitter – let’s use him.

“Without his innings, England were in a boring place. He gave the bowlers something to work with and they were all brilliant.

“He felt he was going well but couldn’t quite put in a match-winning performance. He did that today.”

Why Kemp is so important

Mark Butcher explains why Kemp has a vital role to play in England’s World Cup campaign, regardless of his position in the batting order.

“It’s the perfect confidence-booster for a player England are putting a lot of stock in for the World Cup,” he said.

“They want both him and Danny Gibson to bat longer and offer options with the ball – and what a way to put yourself to sleep.

“We know he’s got the firepower, he’s always had it, but injuries have killed him the last couple of years.

“It’s being able to hit sixes because England is less than anywhere else. That’s why he’s so important.”

Knight’s position at risk?

Kemp’s potential promotion up the batting order would put him in direct competition with England’s current No.5 batsman Heather Knight.

The former England captain’s recent struggles with the bat continued in Bristol as he was caught and bowled by Sri Charani after scoring 18 off 14 balls.

“I think Knight’s place is under investigation,” Farrant added.

“We know how experienced he is but he is not putting his batting focus. He is struggling and scoring runs at a strike-rate below 100.

“The only way England can win this World Cup is to be more attacking and Knight didn’t.”

England vs India T20I Series Results/Fixtures

All times UK and Ireland, All live on Sky Sports

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