England have called Warwickshire seamer Alexa Stonehouse into their squad for the final two ODIs against New Zealand after injury concerns hit their fast-bowling options.
Stonehouse, 21, has been rewarded for her strong form in the ECB Women’s One-Day Cup 2026. She has taken eight wickets at an average of 25.12 in five matches for Warwickshire, including three-wicket hauls in each of her last two appearances against Durham and Somerset.
She will link up with the England squad in Northampton ahead of training on Tuesday. Stonehouse could be in contention for an international debut in one of the remaining matches of the series, with the second ODI scheduled at Wantage Road on Wednesday and the final game set for Cardiff on Saturday.
Injury Concerns Hit England Seam Attack
Stonehouse’s call-up follows the withdrawal of Em Arlott, who is unavailable under concussion protocols, while Issy Wong is undergoing further assessment for a hamstring issue.
Arlott was struck on the head during a net session at Chester-le-Street. Wong, meanwhile, was replaced late by Lauren Filer for England’s opening ODI after feeling tightness in her hamstring during the pre-match warm-up.
England went on to win that match by one wicket on Sunday.
Wong Fitness Monitored Ahead of World Cup
Wong, who was recently named in England’s 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, has been sent for a scan. Her fitness will be closely watched with England’s opening World Cup match against Sri Lanka scheduled for June 12.
The seam-bowling situation adds to England’s injury concerns, with regular captain Nat Sciver-Brunt already sidelined as she recovers from a tear in her left calf.
In Sciver-Brunt’s absence, Charlie Dean captained the ODI side in the series opener and was named Player of the Match after guiding England to victory with an unbeaten 31.
