England vs India: Danny Watt-Hodge backs Sophia Dunkley despite poor run

Dunkley’s retention after Wyatt-Hedge’s return is a clear indication of England’s thinking.

Ellis Capsey, who scored an unbeaten 74 against New Zealand last month when standing in for Watt-Hodge, was pushed to number four.

Freya Kemp’s injury in Saturday’s win at Bristol dampened talk of England’s top order’s boundary hitting ability and the line-up for Tuesday’s series decider at Taunton could remain.

Dunley also scored a 51-ball century as an opener during England’s inter-squad series in South Africa in March.

A further decision will likely need to be made when captain Nate Syver-Brunt recovers from his calf injury, possibly in time for the official warm-ups against India and Australia next week.

This is England’s last match before the World Cup starts on June 12.

“I’ve opened the batting with Sophia Dunkley for a number of years and we all know how good Sophia is at taking the game off her best balls,” said Watt-Hodge.

“It’s not an easy thing to do, especially when the ball swings and moves off the pitch.

“Dunks has had a lot of success at the top and we’ve had some good partnerships together, so I’m looking forward to going out there with him tomorrow (Tuesday) and also at the World Cup.”