Great news for England cricket fans! The Ecclestone Return Squad has been named for their upcoming Twenty20 International (T20I) series against India. This 14-member team sees the much-awaited return of their star spinner, Sophie Ecclestone.
Ecclestone is a top-ranked bowler globally. She is currently No. 1 in the ICC Women’s ODI Bowler Rankings and No. 4 in the ICC Women’s T20I Bowler Rankings. Her return follows a “temporary break” she took from playing cricket.
The England squad is already feeling very confident. They recently had a very strong 3-0 series win over West Indies in both the T20I and ODI (One Day International) series. Her comeback will make the team even stronger. This strong lineup with the Ecclestone Return Squad sets the stage for an exciting series.
New Leadership and Key Inclusions
The recent series against West Indies was a successful start for England’s new leadership. Charlotte Edwards began her time as head coach, and Nat Sciver-Brunt started her captaincy. Both have had a positive impact already.
Pacer (fast bowler) Lauren Filer also makes a return to the squad. She had missed playing in the West Indies series last month.
Amy Jones, who has been quickly moving up in the ICC Women’s Player Rankings, has also been included in this strong England team. All these inclusions make the Ecclestone Return Squad a formidable force.
England Squad for India T20I Series:
Here is the full 14-member England squad:
- Em Arlott
- Tammy Beaumont
- Lauren Bell
- Alice Capsey
- Charlie Dean
- Sophia Dunkley
- Sophie Ecclestone
- Lauren Filer
- Amy Jones
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (Captain)
- Paige Scholfield
- Linsey Smith
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge
- Issy Wong
Coach Edwards’ Excitement and World Cup Focus
Coach Edwards shared her excitement about facing India and about star spinner Ecclestone rejoining the team.
“There was lots to be happy about in the West Indies series but equally lots of things we want to keep improving on – we’re always looking at getting better,” Edwards said. This shows the team’s ongoing desire to improve.
She highlighted the importance of the upcoming matches: “Five games against India in front of big crowds at great venues will serve us really well.” This series is a crucial stepping stone. “This is a significant series for us with the countdown well and truly underway towards the home ICC Women’s T20 World Cup,” Edwards added, emphasizing the bigger picture for the Ecclestone Return Squad.
Ecclestone’s Value and Sarah Glenn’s Opportunity
Edwards expressed her happiness about Sophie Ecclestone’s return. “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,” Edwards commented. This confirms the high regard for Ecclestone’s skills and what she brings to the team, a key reason for her being in the Ecclestone Return Squad.
However, Ecclestone’s return means that Sarah Glenn will not be in the squad this time. Edwards explained this tough decision. “It does mean Sarah Glenn misses out, we are blessed with a strong group of spinners and we unfortunately can’t play them all.”
She also mentioned the positive side for Glenn: “It’s now a great opportunity for Sarah to go back to The Blaze [a domestic team] and play some competitive cricket in the Vitality Blast [a domestic T20 competition].” This ensures Glenn stays in good form and remains in contention for future selections.
Series Schedule: Five Thrilling T20Is
The upcoming T20I series between England and India will feature five exciting matches across various venues in England:
- 1st T20I: 28 June, at Trent Bridge, Nottingham
- 2nd T20I: 1 July, at Bristol
- 3rd T20I: 4 July, at The Oval, London
- 4th T20I: 9 July, at Old Trafford, Manchester
- 5th T20I: 12 July, at Edgbaston, Birmingham
This packed schedule will test both teams and provide excellent preparation for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with the Ecclestone Return Squad aiming to make a strong statement.
The Impact of Sophie Ecclestone’s Return
Sophie Ecclestone is widely considered one of the best spinners in women’s cricket. Her ability to take wickets, control the flow of runs, and perform under pressure makes her invaluable in the T20 format. A “temporary break” can sometimes affect a player’s rhythm, but given her high ranking and proven track record, she is expected to quickly regain her form.
Her return will add a significant boost to England’s bowling attack, especially against a strong batting line-up like India’s. This series is not just about winning; it’s about building momentum and finding the best team combinations for the home World Cup. The success of the Ecclestone Return Squad will be crucial for England’s World Cup aspirations.
The competition for places, especially among spinners, highlights the depth of talent in English women’s cricket. While it’s tough for players like Sarah Glenn to miss out, it ensures that every player in the squad is performing at their peak. This competitive environment ultimately strengthens the entire team.
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