England have been handed an injury concern ahead of their ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final against South Africa on October 29 (Wednesday), as left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone continues to recover from a slight injury to the joint next to her collarbone.
The injury, confirmed through an MRI scan, was sustained when Ecclestone landed awkwardly on her left shoulder while attempting to stop a boundary during England’s final league-stage match against New Zealand in Visakhapatnam. She briefly left the field for treatment before returning to bowl, taking a wicket but delivering only four balls before withdrawing from the attack.
Following further assessment, it was determined that the issue involved her sternoclavicular joint, the part of the shoulder connecting the inner end of the collarbone to the breastbone at the base of the neck.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) provided an update confirming the diagnosis and her ongoing evaluation.
“Results of an MRI scan on Sophie Ecclestone’s left shoulder indicate a minor injury to the joint next to her collar bone,” the statement read.
Ecclestone’s participation remains under review, but optimism within the England camp has steadily grown despite the quick turnaround between matches.
“She will continue to be assessed ahead of Wednesday’s ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final against South Africa,” the ECB reiterated.
Her importance to England’s campaign cannot be overstated. The world’s top-ranked ODI bowler has taken 12 wickets in 6 matches at an economy rate of 3.98, standing fifth on the tournament’s wicket-takers list, tied with Linsey Smith.
England, who finished second on the points table with 11 points, have relied heavily on Ecclestone’s control and wicket-taking ability throughout their run to the semi-finals.
There were some initial doubts given the three-day gap before the knockout, reports from the team suggest rising confidence that she will be fit to play in Guwahati. England are hoping that the left-arm spinner will be available for their Women’s World Cup semi-final against South Africa.
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