In a match brimming with expectations after India’s historic T20I triumph and a thrilling win in the ODI series opener, England’s seasoned left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone delivered an inspired moment of brilliance that reasserted her value to this evolving English side.
During the second ODI at the hallowed turf of Lord’s, shortened to 29 overs per side due to persistent pre-match rain, Ecclestone grabbed an outstanding return catch that removed India’s Harleen Deol and shifted momentum in England’s favour.
The moment of magic unfolded in the 10th over of India’s innings, with the scoreboard reading 46 for 1. Having settled into a cautious start, Deol (16 off 24) sought to counter the tight lines with a calculated use of her feet. She danced down the track and attempted to loft her drive straight back, but the timing was off. Mistimed and misjudged, the ball floated gently back towards the bowler.
That’s when Ecclestone sprang into action, showcasing her world-class reflexes and athleticism. Reacting in a flash, she tumbled low to her left, keeping her eyes locked onto the descending ball, and snapped up a catch that had deception written all over it. The sharp return effort left Deol stunned and handed England a crucial second breakthrough, halting India’s slow-build foundation just as it looked to threaten. The score read 46 for 2, with the crowd erupting in appreciation as the ever-composed Ecclestone raised her hands in triumph.
Ecclestone went on to underline her class with exceptional control and guile, finishing her spell with impactful match figures of 6-0-27-3. It was a reminder of why she’s regarded as one of the top white-ball bowlers in the women’s game today. She not only kept a tight lid on the scoring rate but also chipped in with breakthroughs at vital junctures, steering England back into contention in a rain-hit contest that varied between tension and flashes of brilliance.
For India, Harleen’s dismissal was a tone-shifting moment. Coming in after Pratika Rawal’s early exit, Deol had started cautiously, anchoring alongside opener Smriti Mandhana. Her attempt to break free turned fatal, a tactical misfire against the wrong bowler at the wrong time. Ecclestone’s fielding highlight, however, was a fielding masterclass more than a batting error.
Led by Nat Sciver-Brunt, the England women’s team came into this contest on the back foot. Not only had they lost the T20I series 3-2—their first-ever T20I series loss to India at home—but they also fell short in the first ODI, where India chased down a target with four wickets to spare, riding on an all-round team performance.
India, under the experienced leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, had looked to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. But Ecclestone and company have mounted a fightback of note for England.
Sophie Ecclestone’s flying reflexes and cool under pressure will be the moment replayed in highlight reels—a reminder of why she remains at the heart of England’s white-ball aspirations.
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.