Sophie Ecclestone, the world’s top-ranked ODI bowler and fourth in T20s, is back in the England squad for the first time since the Ashes series. Her return has been a major talking point leading up to the series against India.

The left-arm spinner previously made headlines in Australia for refusing a TV interview with former teammate turned pundit Alex Hartley, who had criticized the team’s fitness following the T20 world Cup.

Ecclestone was afterward left out of coach Edwards’ initial squads for the West Indies series after missing the beginning of Lancashire’s season due to a knee injury. While England cited a lack of playing time and recovery from the injury as the reasons for her absence, Ecclestone played for her county on the same day the squad announcement was made.

Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Ecclestone would take a break from county cricket to “prioritise her wellbeing” and manage a quad issue.Shortly after,edwards included her in the squad to face India.

Edwards Backs Ecclestone’s Preparation

“This is the best preparation for Sophie, to be ready for India,” Edwards said following the final ODI against West Indies. She was responding to questions about her earlier statements regarding selecting players based on domestic cricket form.

Edwards added, “She has been playing, she has performed really well, including winning the T20 Cup with Lancashire, so I’m happy with how she is tracking.”

“This is the best preparation for Sophie, to be ready for india,”

Despite a challenging period for England, “Ecclestone’s numbers have never dropped.” In 2024, she claimed 24 T20 wickets with an average of 14.87 and an economy rate of 5.59. She also took 13 ODI wickets at an notable average of 7.23.

However,with fellow left-armer Smith’s strong performance against West Indies,including a five-wicket haul on her ODI debut,and Edwards’ emphasis that no player’s spot is guaranteed,”it is unlikely Ecclestone has ever been under pressure like this before.”