Alice Capsey is set to make her England wicketkeeping debut in the upcoming series, a role she has embraced with a notable level of confidence despite having only officially kept wicket once before in her career. The 19-year-old all-rounder will don the gloves for England this week, a decision that marks a significant step in her burgeoning career.
Capsey's journey back to wicketkeeping has been influenced by her former childhood hero, Sarah Taylor. Taylor, a renowned former England wicketkeeper, worked as a sports coach at Bede's School in Sussex during Capsey's time there. This provided Capsey with the opportunity to learn from one of the world's best wicketkeepers. "She has been on my shoulder for the last four or five years saying I need to get back to keeping," Capsey said of Taylor's encouragement. "It has been awesome to touch base with her, especially this summer to be able to message her and say 'I am back'."
The process of regaining her keeping skills involved Capsey fitting wicketkeeping drills around her existing commitments as a batter and bowler. She has also focused on strengthening her legs and abductors in the gym to prepare for the demands of squatting behind the stumps. So far, she has reported no adverse physical effects from the increased workload.
Capsey did have a brief stint keeping in a closed-doors warm-up match against India prior to the T20 World Cup. In that practice session, she took a catch from seamer Dani Gibson while standing up to the stumps, executed a stumping off spinner Linsey Smith, and did not concede any byes. "It was awesome. I loved the experience," Capsey recalled, highlighting the catch as a personal highlight, alongside clean glovework on deliveries from Lauren Filer and successful leg-side takes.
She has also been practicing against faster bowlers, including Issy Wong, in training. The move to have Capsey keep wicket could have wider implications for the England team. With the regular wicketkeeper, 33-year-old Amy Jones, being rested for this series, Capsey's inclusion offers a capable backup. It also introduces competition for places and potentially allows for a more explosive batter in the top order, given Capsey has already secured her spot in the team through her batting prowess.
Capsey acknowledged the inherent nerves and pressure associated with representing England at an international level. "As a professional athlete you don't want to do it badly and you are representing England," she stated. "It is an international series, there are ICC points on the line. To be trusted to have the gloves for England has got to give you confidence as well."
Despite not considering herself a finished product as a wicketkeeper, Capsey is drawing on her past experience. "I did it for a long time growing up," she said. "Regardless of the challenges presented this week I know I have a bit of experience to fall back on which is nice."