To launch their season, the England players board a ferry to France as the White Cliffs of Dover are left in the background

Like the men's team, England have a brand new set of kit to play in for the new season

There's not a cloud in the sky as the ship heads towards Calais

Captain Charlotte Edwards talks tactics with coach Mark Lane as the ferry approaches the Continent

As the ship docks at Calais, the helipad is prepared for the action - and there's even a fielding circle already in place

The ICC's regulations regarding suspect bowling actions apply equally at sea as they do on land

The conditions seem to favour the batting side, as a hook shot quickly disappears over the rail and into the sea

But the first wicket falls as after one quick single too many, a run-out ensues

BBC South East Today's Neil Bell takes to the crow's nest to film the action for their evening news bulletin

England coach Mark Lane keeps a careful eye on the scoreboard as the game progresses

The intriguingly-named Ebony-Jewel Cora-Lee Camellia Rosamond Rainford-Brent (right) patrols the outfield

As the run chase gathers pace, it's all eyes on the umpire as the fielders appeal for a catch behind

The supplies of red tennis balls (left) begin to run low as more and more balls are hit into the sea

Conditions aren't helping the bowlers - who are forced to operate off very short run-ups

A reverse slog-sweep is attempted - quite possibly for the first time on a helipad

And it's handshakes all round as the match finishes and the players head for a much-deserved buffet lunch on the return crossing

England's players now face three one-day series during the summer - West Indies, South Africa and India