Alex Hartley
Former England bowler on Test Match Special

I don't think the last of cricket for Nat Sciver-Brunt is the problem, it's the lack of Nat Sciver-Brunt in the team that might be a problem for England.

Almost time to get going - unsurprisingly Lauren Bell is going to bowl the opening over for England.

The hosts are sporting their new T20 kit - described as "very Jamie Dalrymple" by my colleague, whatever that means.

Image source, Getty Images

Tournament build-up means new team profile shots, where players do all sort of poses in a photo studio.

Here's Charlie Dean planning a bank heist.

Katey Martin
Former New Zealand wicketkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

The one big difference now for New Zealand from the last T20 World Cup is that belief that they can win it.

They do have that T20 world champions tag and do use it as motivation.

Alex Hartley
Former England bowler on Test Match Special

England have been building up to this home summer and World Cup for such a long time. After the ODIs, now they can carry on the World Cup preparation.

It's great to have the three games against New Zealand before a stronger opposition in India.

Kieran Parmley
CricViz analyst

England have won only three of their last eight run-chases in T20Is dating back to the start of the Ashes last year, with four of those five defeats by a margin of 20 runs or more.

England: Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Maia Bouchier, Heather Knight, Freya Kemp, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones (wk), Charlie Dean (capt), Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell

New Zealand: Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Gaze (wk), Melie Kerr (capt), Sophie Devine, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Izzy Sharp, Jess Kerr, Suzie Bates, Rosemary Mair, Bree Illing

New Zealand captain Melie Kerr: "We are on a mission to win this World Cup again and this series is the start of that. But we want to make sure that we are sticking to our processes, and making sure that everyone knows their role.

"We know we've won it before, and there's no reason why we can't do it again.

"We're in a really good place as a side and we can be confident with how we are playing, but you can't be complacent. We've got to keep that belief and if we stick to our style, we'll have more success than not."

England captain Charlie Dean: "We're going to have a bowl. It looks a really good deck but defending is hard at Derby so looking to get out there as a team early."

On Nat Sciver-Brunt missing the series: "I feel like it's pretty precautionary, she's in a good place, she's just building up to speed and should be ready for the World Cup.

"It's brilliant opportunity for me. Whenever you get to wear this England shirt it's a real privilege and to captain the team as well, it's big. I'm ready if I need to step in but that won't be the case, I don't think."

On England illnesses and injuries: "There have been a few curveballs thrown at us, for sure. But I think it's brilliant. The group has been so ready to flex and that's a testament to our team. It'll be interesting to see a few different combinations going into that World Cup."

Image source, Getty Images

Let's get straight to it.

Captains Charlie Dean and Melie Kerr have visited the middle in Derby for the toss.

It's England's skipper that came away the happier, and she chose to bowl.

Kerr confirmed that she would have done the same.

Image source, Getty Images

England's World Cup countdown starts here!

The tournament hosts face world champions New Zealand in three T20s, then India for another trio of games, chuck a few warm-ups into the mix, before they play their opening World Cup game against Sri Lanka on 12 June.

Can stand-in captain Charlie Dean and her charges build a strong platform for a tilt at the tournament?

We'll see...