Sophie Ecclestone, the talented left-arm spinner, is making a triumphant return to England’s cricket squad for the highly anticipated tour of India in December. This news comes as a relief to cricket fans worldwide after Ecclestone suffered a shoulder injury during her stint in The Hundred, necessitating surgery. But the cricket world can rejoice as she is now back in action and ready to spin her magic once more.
The India series, slated to kick off on December 6th, will feature three thrilling T20 matches and a four-day Test match from December 14th to 17th. England’s skipper, Heather Knight, will lead both squads, bringing her wealth of experience to the field. In an exciting development, the Test squad welcomes the inclusion of the seasoned seamer, Kate Cross.
Two rising stars are set to shine in both formats of the game. Bess Heath, a 22-year-old batter, has secured her spot in both the T20 and Test squads after impressing everyone with her one-day international debut against Sri Lanka in September. Meanwhile, Alice Capsey, a 19-year-old all-rounder, is on the verge of making her Test debut, having already made her mark in England’s white-ball squads.
The T20 squad boasts the young talents of Danielle Gibson, 22, a bowling all-rounder, and Mahika Gaur, a 17-year-old fast bowler, both of whom made their white-ball debuts earlier in the summer. Lauren Filer, another 22-year-old fast bowler, has earned her place in the Test squad following an impressive Ashes debut in the format last June.
Here’s a quick look at the England women’s squads for the India tour:
T20 Squad:
- Lauren Bell
- Maia Bouchier
- Alice Capsey
- Charlie Dean
- Sophia Dunkley
- Sophie Ecclestone
- Mahika Gaur
- Danielle Gibson
- Sarah Glenn
- Bess Heath
- Amy Jones (wk)
- Freya Kemp
- Heather Knight (capt)
- Nat Sciver-Brunt
- Danni Wyatt
Test Squad:
- Tammy Beaumont
- Lauren Bell
- Alice Capsey
- Kate Cross
- Charlie Dean
- Sophia Dunkley
- Sophie Ecclestone
- Lauren Filer
- Bess Heath
- Amy Jones (wk)
- Heather Knight (capt)
- Emma Lamb
- Nat Sciver-Brunt
- Danni Wyatt
England’s women’s team made quite an impression during the summer’s Ashes series against Australia, drawing the series 8-8 on points. However, they faced disappointment in September when a relatively inexperienced side was defeated by Sri Lanka in the T20 series. One of the notable challenges they encountered was batting against spin, which will undoubtedly be put to the test in India.
To prepare for this crucial series, some of England’s batters attended a training camp in Mumbai in October before the start of Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). The entire squad is also set to travel to Oman for another camp before the India series commences. This tour marks England’s return to India for the first time since 2019 and serves as a crucial stepping stone as they gear up for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh next year and the 2025 50-over World Cup in India.
In addition to the main squad, an England A side will also travel to Oman and take on India A in three T20 matches. Seamer Tash Farrant, 27, makes a return to the setup after a prolonged absence from the game due to back stress fractures. Furthermore, the A squad includes the talented fast bowler, Issy Wong, 21, who overcame run-up issues during the summer and unfortunately missed the Ashes.
In a final note of excitement, Chris Liddle has been appointed as England women’s performance pace bowling coach. The former Leicestershire, Sussex, and Gloucestershire bowler brings his expertise to the team, having previously served as assistant head coach and fast bowling coach at Nottinghamshire. This addition promises to further bolster England’s cricketing prowess as they embark on this thrilling tour of India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cricket Comeback
Q: Who is Sophie Ecclestone, and why is her return to the England squad significant?
A: Sophie Ecclestone is a left-arm spinner who has made a name for herself in women’s cricket. Her return to the England squad is significant because she had suffered a shoulder injury and underwent surgery, making her comeback a much-awaited event for cricket fans.
Q: What is the schedule for the India tour in December, and who will lead the England squads?
A: The India tour in December comprises three T20 matches starting on December 6th and a four-day Test match from December 14th to 17th. Heather Knight, an experienced player, will lead both the T20 and Test squads for England.
Q: Are there any young talents making their mark in the England women’s squads for this tour?
A: Yes, there are promising young talents in both squads. Bess Heath, a 22-year-old batter, has impressed and secured her place in both the T20 and Test squads. Alice Capsey, a 19-year-old all-rounder, is on the verge of making her Test debut, having already established herself in England’s white-ball sides.
Q: How did England perform in recent cricket series, and what challenges did they face?
A: England’s women’s team drew the Ashes series against Australia 8-8 on points, showing their competitive spirit. However, they faced disappointment in a T20 series against Sri Lanka, where they struggled, especially when batting against spin. This challenge is expected to be a focus during the India tour.
Q: What preparations have England’s women’s team made ahead of the India series?
A: To prepare for the India series, some of England’s batters attended a training camp in Mumbai in October. Additionally, the entire squad is set to travel to Oman for another camp before the India series begins.
Q: Is this tour significant in the context of England women’s cricket?
A: Yes, this tour holds significance as it marks England’s return to India for the first time since 2019. It serves as a crucial step in their preparations for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh next year and the 2025 50-over World Cup in India.
Q: Are there any other matches or squads related to this tour?
A: Yes, an England A side will also travel to Oman and play three T20 matches against India A. Seamer Tash Farrant returns to the setup, and fast bowler Issy Wong is included in the A squad after overcoming run-up issues during the summer.
Q: Who is Chris Liddle, and what role does he play in England women’s cricket?
A: Chris Liddle is the newly appointed England women’s performance pace bowling coach. He brings his expertise to the team, having previously served as assistant head coach and fast bowling coach at Nottinghamshire, and is expected to enhance England’s cricketing prowess.
More about Cricket Comeback
- Sophie Ecclestone returns for India series
- England women’s squads for India tour
- Heather Knight to lead England in India
- Young talents in England’s women’s cricket
- England’s performance in recent series
- Preparations for the India series
- Significance of the India tour
- England A squad and additional matches
- Chris Liddle’s appointment as coach
7 comments
India tour in December, so cool! heather knight leading, can’t wait t20, test match, excitement overload!
Young talents shining, Bess Heath and Alice Capsey, good stuff, cricket future looks bright!
Mumbai training camp, Oman camp, rigorous prep, England means business in India!
England A team, Oman tour, more cricket action, love it, Tash Farrant and Issy Wong back!
England women’s cricket gearing up for T20 World Cup and 50-over World Cup, big goals!
Chris Liddle joins as bowling coach, more power to England’s cricket, great move!
Tough times for England against Sri Lanka, batting against spin tricky, hope they’ve practiced!