A SERIES-CLINCHING win over a formidable Indian side today would provide the ideal boost for England’s T20 World Cup preparations.

With all roads leading to Taunton on Tuesday night, the hosts dished out the perfect response to losing the first of three T20 Internationals by out-classing Harmanpreet Kaur’s team in the second encounter in Bristol on Saturday – winning by 26 runs.

All-rounder Freya Kemp played out a powerful knock of 39 not out off just 13 balls to dismantle the Indian bowlers.

In a crucial game where Danni Wyatt-Hodge (29) returned as opener, Alice Capsey (28) and Amy Jones notched up identical scores, before Kemp stole the show with a blistering finish.

Prior to Wyatt-Hodge’s return, England had experimented with their top order, giving Capsey and Jones valuable auditions.

Fresh from her batting blitz, Kemp returned to the scene with the prized wickets of opener Smriti Mandhana (32) and top-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored just one.

Overcoming her fair share of back injuries ahead of the World Cup, the 21-year-old delivered an impressive spell, picking up 2-15 in her two overs in Bristol, as India finished on 142-9.

Before the World Cup starts, England will renew their rivalry with India one more time after Tuesday’s series decider, facing them and Australia in their final two warm-up games.

BACK IN THE GAME: England's Danni Wyatt-Hodge batting during the second Vitality IT20 cricket match in Bristol against India. Picture: David Davies/PA

placeholder image — BACK IN THE GAME: England's Danni Wyatt-Hodge batting during the second Vitality IT20 cricket match in Bristol against India. Picture: David Davies/PA

Wyatt-Hodge missed the series against New Zealand as well as the first T20 against India because her wife, Georgie, gave birth to the couple’s first child.

So far, regular opening partner Sophia Dunkley has yet to make a score of substance this summer, but Wyatt-Hodge is comfortable opening the innings alongside whoever she is asked to.

“We all know how good Sophia is,” said Wyatt-Hodge. “Taking the game on from ball one, that’s what she does at her best and it’s not an easy thing to do, especially when the ball is swinging a lot and moving off the pitch.

“Dunks has been so successful at the top and we’ve put some good partnerships on together and I’m really looking forward to getting out there with her and then in the World Cup as well.

“If Alice was opening, my game still stays the same.

“I’m like any opening batter in T20 cricket, you’re trying to take the game on from ball one and adapt as quickly as possible, bringing the energy, the intent, be brave.

“It doesn’t matter who my partner is, I’m always going to try and play the same style of cricket.”