Linsey Smith was 30 when she made her ODI debut for England. The left-arm spinner celebrated the occasion by taking five for 36 against the West Indies at Derby.
On Friday, she made her ODI World Cup debut. It was another reason for her to celebrate. She took the new ball, struck with her second delivery, and accounted for two batters who had built the most prolific opening partnership in women’s cricket.
Smith got rid of Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits within her first two overs to set the tone for the sharp English attack in the team’s opening match.
Her control and drift proved deadly.Her figures read 4-2-7-3 in the South African total of 69. Shortly after England raced to a 10-wicket win, she said she was delighted to help her team win. “It means massively to me,” she said. “I always want to contribute as much as I can to team wins. Obviously early days in my ODI career, which is something I’ve really strived towards.”
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About the wicket Smith said: “We didn’t know what it was going to play like, but for me it was just about keeping the stumps in play, which I try and do more often than not.”
She said she was glad to share the new ball. “I am not your most traditional spinner,” she said. “I am not going to get the turn and bounce that necessarily Sophie Ecclestone gets, which is why I think we work well together in the team.”
Published on Oct 03, 2025
