England began their ODI summer campaign with a commanding 108-run victory over West Indies in Derby, powered by maiden centuries from Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont, and a stunning five-wicket haul from debutant spinner Linsey Smith.
England’s innings was built around a record-breaking 222-run opening stand between Jones and Beaumont. For Jones, the century was particularly significant. After 12 years in international cricket and 97 ODIs without reaching three figures, she finally broke through with a boundary through the off-side. The moment was filled with emotion, not just for the batter but also for her teammates and coaching staff, reflecting a long-awaited personal triumph.
The innings had its tense moments. Jones lingered in the nervous 90s for five overs, surviving two dropped return catches and enduring a drinks break that stretched the suspense. Meanwhile, Beaumont, who had played a supportive role for most of the partnership, surged ahead, determined to reach the milestone herself. Both eventually brought up their centuries, providing a solid foundation for England’s imposing total of 345 for six.
Nat Sciver-Brunt, standing in as captain in the absence of Heather Knight due to injury, contributed a brisk half-century her second in three games ensuring the momentum didn’t falter after the openers’ departure. The performance was a collective statement, with multiple batters stepping up at a crucial juncture early in the series.
West Indies, in response, never looked likely to chase down the target. Qiana Joseph gave them a flicker of hope with a counter-attacking 62 off 74 balls, relying more on instinct than technique. But once she was bowled by Alice Capsey, the innings began to unravel. Earlier, Em Arlott had claimed the key wicket of Hayley Matthews for her maiden ODI dismissal, further denting the visitors’ prospects.
The match then became a showcase for Linsey Smith, who had waited seven years since her T20 debut to finally wear the ODI shirt. The left-arm spinner took full advantage of the opportunity, finishing with remarkable figures of five for 36. Deceptive flight and relentless accuracy proved too much for West Indies’ middle order. Smith focused on targeting the stumps and letting the batters make errors a strategy that paid off handsomely.
Fittingly, her fifth wicket came on the final ball of her spell, thanks to a smart catch in the deep by Sophia Dunkley, who had earlier presented her with her debut cap. The moment capped off a dream debut for Smith and highlighted the depth England is building in their bowling unit.
The West Indies eventually succumbed for 237 in the 49th over, never truly in the contest after the early breakthroughs. Despite their resistance, they were overwhelmed by the precision and intensity of England’s performance.
The match also underscored the impact of new leadership. With a renewed emphasis on improving their ODI game, England’s fresh tactics and combinations are already bearing fruit. The decision to open with Jones and Beaumont, who have enjoyed success together in domestic cricket this season, looks inspired. Their familiarity was evident as they paced their innings confidently before accelerating decisively in the middle overs, highlighted by a brutal 25-run over from Jahzara Claxton.
As the teams prepare for the second ODI in Leicester on Wednesday, England will look to build on this dominant start. For West Indies, it will be about regrouping quickly and finding answers to England’s renewed ODI intent.
