Alice Capsey will keep wicket for England for the first time in international cricket during this week's one-day international series against Ireland, despite having played the role professionally only once before, in a 2020 match for South East Stars. The 22-year-old, capped 95 times for England, has established herself as a versatile batter, bowler and fielder, and taking on the gloves marks a significant new challenge in her development, with coach Charlotte Edwards having lined up the move since England's pre-season camp in South Africa.

Capsey was a wicketkeeper during her junior career at Surrey before giving it up, and was named back-up to regular keeper Amy Jones for this summer's T20 World Cup, though she was not called upon. She has spent the summer quietly building her glovework in training, drawing on advice from former England keeper Sarah Taylor, a mentor from her schooldays at Bede's School, and has also adapted her gym work to strengthen her legs for the position ahead of the Ireland series.