- July 3, 2025
England’s women lost their second T20I to India – this one at home in Bristol – and this wasn’t just another bad day in the office. This was a red flag. With a series defeat in sight, Heather Knight, the former captain who missed the match with a hamstring injury, made some honest comments: things must change – and quickly. Knight’s brave comments provoked some further thinking on how can save this five-game series. Let’s look at the facts of where they went wrong and who can save this.
Dean In, Smith Out? Time for Tough Calls
So, now it’s clear cut what Heather Knight wants: Charlie Dean in. Not as an option: she’s a must-pick. The fact that Dean hasn’t played in the first two games doesn’t mean a thing; Knight said Dean is “in your best five bowlers.” And she has the evidence to back it up as well, particularly about how she matches up with Smriti Mandhana, India’s star opener.
Conversely, Linsey Smith has been struggling. After an impressive series against the West Indies, the left-arm spinner has looked flat and ineffective. Knight’s suggestion? Either drop a seamer or drop Smith, but either way, Dean has to be in that XI. It’s not an emotional decision. It’s tactical. And at the moment, England desperately needs more tactical help.
Playing Safe Isn’t an Option Anymore
If there’s one grating thing for Knight, it’s the idea of playing safe. There were some positives from the second T20I, but England had missed out on winning it by 24 runs – again! England had enough firepower – it’s just that they haven’t used it smartly. England has recently shown a tendency to revert to playing cricket in this cautious manner as pressure builds. But driving in India, a side brimming with intent and flair, is not going to work.
Knight’s message to the players is clear: don’t back down, attack. England needs to be attacking, with the bat, with the ball, and in the field; that means positive captaincy, positive batting, attacking bowling changes – not stuck on Plan A hoping it arrives eventually. England has players still capable of winning games; they just need to be put in the right position and be confident they can do it.
Don’t Panic — But Do Act
It’s a fine line between overreacting versus standing still, and England risks the latter. The good news? We’re just a couple of games deep into the series — still early days, but the clock’s already ticking. A 2-0 hole in a home series of five games isn’t exactly fatal, but it can turn fatal if the mood drops in the dressing room. Even though Knight is off the field injured, that voice of leadership is still strong and unaffected: stay positive, believe, and take action!
It’s not just about the personnel. It’s about mindset, energy, and accountability. The bowling attack needs clearer plans, the batting unit needs to chase totals like they’re serious, and the fielding unit has to ramp up intensity. It’s also an opportunity for some young players to come in and show they belong and take hold of the series.
Heather Knight’s plea for change is not some overreaction — this is a seasoned captain seeing the writing on the wall before it is too late. Selecting Charlie Dean wouldn’t add the balance that England desperately needs. But this is more than tweaking the best XI; this is about re-establishing a sense of belief and purpose. The good news? There is still time. However, if England wants to avoid losing their first T20I series at home since 2023, then these changes are going to have to be the right changes.
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