England’s top-ranked ODI bowler, Sophie Ecclestone, is taking a temporary break from domestic cricket to focus on her recovery from a quad injury and prioritise her overall wellbeing. The 26-year-old left-arm spinner, who recently returned to action for Lancashire following a knee injury, was withdrawn from her county’s recent match against Hampshire due to the recurring quad issue.
Ecclestone’s decision has the full backing of England’s new coach, Charlotte Edwards. “Sophie has been managing a quad niggle… but more importantly, she wants to take a step back from cricket… to look after herself,” Edwards stated, emphasising the team’s support for Ecclestone’s choice.
While she remains available for England’s upcoming white-ball series against India, beginning on June 28, the immediate focus is on her personal health. Both Ecclestone and the team management believe a short break now will aid her overall recovery and mental wellbeing.
This decision follows a demanding period for Ecclestone, which included a stint in India’s Women’s Premier League in February, followed by two months on the sidelines due to her knee injury. Her earlier absence from England’s squad under coach Edwards was attributed solely to this recovery, with England Cricket clarifying it was unrelated to a past controversy during the Ashes tour, when Ecclestone declined a TV interview after critical comments from former teammate Alex Hartley.
Hartley, speaking on BBC Test Match Special, underlined the importance of mental health in elite sport. “Mental health is so important,” she remarked, adding that if a break now ensures Ecclestone’s readiness for the 50-over World Cup in September, it’s ultimately what everyone wants.
England have successfully negotiated their current series against West Indies, but the upcoming matches against India, who are also hosting the World Cup, are expected to present a sterner test.
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