The England Women’s cricket team has announced a 14-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against India, with a major boost coming in the form of Sophie Ecclestone’s return. The star left-arm spinner, currently ranked No. 1 in the ICC Women’s ODI rankings and No. 4 in T20Is, is back in the squad after a brief injury layoff.
Ecclestone had taken a short break from cricket starting June 7 to recover from a minor injury. Prioritizing her health and fitness, she opted to miss the recent series against the West Indies to prepare for the demanding India tour. Alongside Ecclestone, pace bowler Lauren Filer also makes a return to the squad after sitting out the West Indies series.
England Women were in dominant form during the West Indies tour, winning both the T20I and ODI series convincingly. Under the guidance of head coach Charlotte Edwards and the captaincy of Nat Sciver-Brunt, the team looked balanced and confident. Both Edwards and Sciver-Brunt will continue in their roles for the India series as well.
“It’s great to have Soph back” – Charlotte Edwards
Sharing her excitement about Ecclestone’s return, head coach Charlotte Edwards said, as quoted by the ICC: “It’s great to have Soph back, and we’re looking forward to having her back in the group. She has obvious qualities and she’ll be an asset to us.”
While welcoming back Ecclestone, Edwards also acknowledged the depth of England’s bowling unit, particularly their spinners. However, this depth means that Sarah Glenn will miss out on the India series.
“It does mean Sarah Glenn misses out. We are blessed with a strong group of spinners and we unfortunately can’t play them all. It’s now a great opportunity for Sarah to go back to The Blaze and play some competitive cricket in the Vitality Blast,” Edwards added.
England Squad: Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Paige Scholfield, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Issy Wong
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