In a surprising move, England’s top women’s cricketer Sophie Ecclestone has taken a break from cricket just weeks before a big home series against India and only months before the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. The decision has raised eyebrows in the cricket world, especially considering her key role in England’s bowling unit across formats.
Quad Muscle Injury Forces Ecclestone to Step Away from the Game
Sophie Ecclestone, 26, has been battling multiple injuries in recent months. England’s head coach Jon Lewis confirmed that the world’s No.1 ODI bowler is suffering from a quad muscle injury, which has not healed completely. This forced her to stay away from the game, despite England’s packed schedule.
This is not her first injury scare. During the West Indies series, Ecclestone was already nursing a knee injury, which kept her out of action temporarily. With this fresh muscle issue, the England team management has decided to let her recover fully rather than risk a serious breakdown before the World Cup.
England Supportive of Ecclestone’s Recovery Decision
Coach Jon Lewis shared that the entire team and management support Ecclestone’s decision. They want her to return fully fit, especially with the ODI World Cup 2025 just three months away. While there is no confirmed date for her return, the hope is that she can recover in time for the global tournament.
Ecclestone has played 177 international matches and taken 297 wickets, making her England’s leading wicket-taker in the current squad. Her absence will be a major challenge for the team, especially with India touring England this month.
India Women’s Tour of England Begins 28 June
The Indian women’s cricket team will begin their T20I and ODI tour of England from 28 June 2025. The schedule includes:
- 5 T20 matches: Starting 28 June in Nottingham and ending 12 July in Birmingham
- 3 ODI matches: Starting 16 July in Southampton and ending 22 July in Chester-Le-Street
Without Sophie, England’s bowling line-up will look to other players for leadership, especially during the high-pressure India series.
Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in Focus
With the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 scheduled to start in September, all teams are closely monitoring their key players. England will hope Sophie Ecclestone regains fitness soon, while India will try to take advantage of her absence during the upcoming bilateral series.
Disclaimer: The player’s availability for WPL 2025 or the World Cup is subject to fitness tests and final squad selection.
Source: TV9 Hindi
