Sophie Ecclestone will not be featuring in England’s white-ball squad for the upcoming home series against West Indies. In her absence, Issy Wong is set to return to international cricket. Ecclestone, who has been grappling with a knee injury, recently managed to clock in a fifty for Lancashire, yet remains unfit for national selection, according to the panel led by the newly appointed selector, Lydia Greenway.
Maia Bouchier, another notable absentee, misses out while batters Alice Davidson-Richards and Emma Lamb have been recalled for their performances in the domestic Metro Bank One Day Cup. Wong, having not played since last year’s tour in Ireland due to form struggles, impressed recently in Australia and will join fellow Warwickshire bowler Emily Arlott for three Twenty20 Internationals. Arlott, who has yet to debut internationally, will also be in the line-up for the subsequent three One-Day Internationals.
Commenting on Ecclestone’s exclusion, head coach Charlotte Edwards stated, “Following her knee injury, Sophie is physically not quite at 100% yet. She’s been rehabbing and working hard but she’s only just got back on the park for Lancashire.” Ecclestone’s gradual return underlines a cautious approach to her recovery.
Despite being part of the recent Ashes series, Bouchier has been urged to improve her consistency at the domestic level with Hampshire. Edwards adds, “Maia’s talent is there for all to see, and the challenge to her is to go and make consistent match-winning contributions.”
Tammy Beaumont and spinner Linsey Smith, who led with wickets in the Metro Bank competition, have secured spots in both squads. Meanwhile, all-rounders Freya Kemp and Danielle Gibson are sidelined through injuries, with Lauren Filer’s recovery progressing positively.
The selected squads reflect a blend of form players and strategic planning for upcoming fixtures. England aims to balance seasoned campaigners with emerging talents ready to make their mark.
England Women T20I squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain; The Blaze), Emily Arlott (Warwickshire), Tammy Beaumont (The Blaze), Lauren Bell (Hampshire), Alice Capsey (Surrey), Charlie Dean (Somerset), Sophia Dunkley (Surrey), Sarah Glenn (The Blaze), Amy Jones (The Blaze), Heather Knight (Somerset), Paige Scholfield (Surrey), Linsey Smith (Hampshire), Issy Wong (Warwickshire), Danni Wyatt-Hodge (Surrey).
England Women ODI squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain; The Blaze), Alice Davidson-Richards (Surrey), Emily Arlott (Warwickshire), Tammy Beaumont (The Blaze), Lauren Bell (Hampshire), Kate Cross (Lancashire), Charlie Dean (Somerset), Sophia Dunkley (Surrey), Mahika Gaur (Lancashire), Sarah Glenn (The Blaze), Amy Jones (The Blaze), Heather Knight (Somerset), Emma Lamb (Lancashire), Linsey Smith (Hampshire).
