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Former England men’s team’s captain Nasser Hussain lashed out at the women’s team management after the loss to Smriti Mandhana-led India in three-T20I series opener. Lauren Bell got rid of Mandhana and Shafali Verma in the first over but Issy Wong’s 27-run over released the pressure off the visitors. Hussain wondered where in-form spinner Linsey Smith is despite winning the ‘Player of the series’ award against New Zealand. He sees no reason behind resting Linsey as her workload hasn't been an issue leading up to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. He wonders why England won’t play their best team so close to the tournament and chose to experiment.
"I'm not sure England are good enough at the moment, looking at recent performances in World Cups, to suddenly say: 'We'll give everyone a go and change our winning formula'," Hussain said on Sky Sports after England’s comprehensive 38-run defeat in series opener on May 28.
"What has been the most successful formula for England in the powerplay is Lauren Bell at one end and Linsey Smith at the other end.
"What do they do? They rest Linsey Smith! She had a rest for six months in the winter.
"England didn't play an international game from October 29 until May, and they're now resting people. We're two weeks away from a World Cup, play your best side!
"Bring someone in, and they (Wong) go for 27; that momentum you've got from Lauren Bell (taking two wickets in the first over), that's washed away! That was England's undoing.
"India will jump on that because they're a very good side."
Tough outing for Issy, Sophie
Lauren claimed three wickets in her quota of four overs and conceded 34 runs. Issy managed to get Bharti Fulmali's wicket in the slog overs. She came back well after the 27-run over, conceding 14 in the next two. In her first over, she conceded four fours and bowled two five wides. Despite early strikes, India posted 188/7 on the board as Yastika Bhatia and Jemimah Rodrigues scored fifties.
Tilly Corteen-Coleman made her T20I debut, conceded 19 runs and claimed the wicket of Richa Ghosh in three overs she bowled. Veteran spinner Sophie Ecclestone remained wicketless and conceded 34 runs.
Linsey finds form against White Ferns
Linsey has been in fine form of late. After three wicketless games for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in her Women's Premier League (WPL) debut season, she claimed six wickets in the recently-concluded three-T20I series against New Zealand.
After Hussain questioned head coach Charlotte Edwards’ tactics, he would wait and see if Linsey plays in the second T20I of the series on May 30.
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