LONDON — England have recalled left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone for their five-match T20 series against India, marking her return to the squad after recovering from shoulder surgery. The 24-year-old, ranked as the world’s No. 1 T20 bowler, missed England’s recent tour of New Zealand but has been deemed fit for the high-profile series starting next month.
Ecclestone’s inclusion bolsters England’s spin attack, which struggled in her absence during the white-ball leg of the New Zealand tour. Head coach Jon Lewis emphasized her importance, stating, "Sophie is a match-winner, and her return gives us a significant advantage, especially in Indian conditions where spin plays a crucial role."
Ecclestone’s Road to Recovery
The spinner underwent surgery in September 2023 after dislocating her shoulder during The Hundred. Her rehabilitation has been closely monitored, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) taking a cautious approach to ensure full fitness. Ecclestone recently returned to competitive cricket in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), where she played for UP Warriorz, claiming six wickets in five matches.
Speaking about her comeback, Ecclestone said, "It’s been a tough few months, but I’m thrilled to be back in an England shirt. The shoulder feels strong, and I’m ready to contribute to the team’s success."
England’s Spin Strategy Against India
India’s batting lineup is renowned for its prowess against spin, making Ecclestone’s role pivotal. Alongside fellow spinners Charlie Dean and Sarah Glenn, England aim to exploit turning tracks expected during the series. Key matchups to watch include:
- Ecclestone vs. Smriti Mandhana – A battle between the world’s top spinner and India’s explosive opener.
- Glenn’s leg-spin against Harmanpreet Kaur – The Indian captain’s ability to dominate slow bowling.
- Dean’s accuracy in the middle overs – Crucial for restricting India’s run flow.
Lewis added, "We’ve worked on specific plans for each Indian batter. Sophie’s variations and control give us an edge, but it’s about executing as a unit."
Series Schedule and Venues
The five-match T20 series will be played across three venues, with Mumbai hosting the first two games on March 4 and 6. The action then shifts to Delhi for the remaining fixtures on March 9, 10, and 13. All matches will be day-night affairs, starting at 7:00 PM IST.
Full England Squad
Led by Heather Knight, the 15-player squad features a mix of experience and youth. Notable inclusions:
- Sophie Ecclestone (Left-arm spin)
- Danni Wyatt (Opening batter)
- Alice Capsey (All-rounder)
- Lauren Bell (Pace bowler)
The squad also marks the return of seamer Freya Kemp, who has recovered from a back injury. Knight praised the balance, saying, "We’ve got depth in both batting and bowling, which is vital for a long series."
India’s Preparations
India, fresh from a 3-0 T20 series win over Australia, will rely on their spin trio of Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, and Shreyanka Patil. Head coach Amol Muzumdar acknowledged Ecclestone’s threat but remained confident: "Our batters have prepared extensively for quality spin. We respect Sophie, but we’re ready for the challenge."
Conclusion
Ecclestone’s return adds intrigue to what promises to be a fiercely contested series. With both teams eyeing momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year, the clashes in Mumbai and Delhi could set the tone for future encounters. As Lewis put it, "This is exactly the kind of cricket we want to play – high-stakes, high-quality, and against the best."