England’s all‑rounder Freya Kemp heads into the three‑match ODI series against New Zealand knowing she will not bowl, but her practice sessions since January have kept the ball in her hand. Working with fast‑bowling coach Chris Liddle, she has added new variations, quietly trialled in three intra‑squad games in South Africa earlier this year and impressed teammates with her pace.

Kemp insists retirement never entered her mind; instead she relished the chance to influence matches with both bat and ball. The injury layoff, which kept her from the 2025 Ashes whitewash, sparked a batting surge – she notched her maiden professional century last season and starred for Perth Scorchers as a top‑order player and proved her versatility in domestic leagues recently.

Looking ahead, England hope Kemp will add overs in the upcoming T20 series against the White Ferns and India, then feature prominently in the T20 World Cup starting 12 June. Coach Charlotte Edwards has already highlighted her as a vital bowling all‑rounder, a role England have missed since Lydia Greenway’s 2016 retirement and could tip the balance in tight matches.