Wasn’t originally part of the plan: Knight opens up on Kemp’s return home

Freya Kemp made an early departure home mid-way through the series against South Africa to manage her recovery post a long-term injury. The 19-year-old, who picked up two wickets during the T20I series against South Africa, had to fly back home as a precautionary measure more than an injury concern. 

In the aftermath of that call, England’s skipper Heather Knight insisted that they hoped that the left-arm pacer would be available for all three formats against South Africa.

"It wasn't originally part of the plan," Knight said before the first ODI "We were hoping to have her available for all three formats but, obviously, with her history with back injuries, she's someone that we have to manage quite tightly and really look after.

While insisting that they were ‘gutted to lose her’, Knight maintained the balance, stating that it was the right decision for Kemp to return home with an eye on next year’s Ashes. 

"We're gutted to lose her," Knight added. "She's a great person to have around the group, and obviously a hugely exciting prospect for us. But the right thing for Freya was to go home and have a little look at how her back's going, and then hopefully build towards those Ashes.

"We're really hopeful that she's going to be fit and available, but it's a tricky one with stress fractures. You just have to be a little bit careful around loads. She was obviously able to partake in all three games, so that's a good sign, but the decision was made that she wasn't going to be in a place to be ready for the one-dayers and the Test."

England haven’t played too many ODI series over the last year, but with the World Cup next year, the squad’s composition is obviously being scrutinized. That’s where the duo of Tammy Beaumont and Kate Cross could seize the opportunity and seal a place for themselves in the setup. 

"We haven't played a huge amount of ODI cricket recently, so it's a format that I really enjoy playing. Everyone's pretty excited to get into the longer format, and have a little bit more time to execute your skills and build plans around one day game."

"Obviously with the Ashes, we're not looking too far ahead. Continuing to have success on this tour is, naturally, going to be the way that we're going to build into the Ashes. The focus very much on South Africa and what they're going to bring against us tomorrow."

The first of the three ODIs begins on December 4 at the Diamond Oval.

If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out on our content — big time. Download the App here.