England are optimistic that left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone will be available for Wednesday’s Women’s World Cup semi-final against South Africa.
The world’s top-ranked ODI bowler landed awkwardly on his left shoulder as he tried to stop the second ball of England’s win over New Zealand in Sunday’s final group match on the boundary line.
After leaving the field for treatment, Ecclestone returned and featured in the bowling, but despite taking wickets, he scored just four deliveries at Visakhapatnam before withdrawing from the attack.
Examination revealed that she had mild damage to her sternoclavicular joint, which is located at the medial end of the collarbone and connects to the sternum at the base of the neck.
With only three days between games, there was a big question whether Ecclestone would play against South Africa, but live on Sky Sports it is understood that England are becoming increasingly optimistic that she will be fit to play in Guwahati.
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Sky Sports’ Ian Ward and Nasser Hussain look ahead to England’s Women’s World Cup semi-final against South Africa and discuss Sophie Ecclestone’s fitness and whether Nat Silver Brunt’s side will be fit for the finals.
A spokesperson for the England and Wales Cricket Board said: “An MRI scan of Sophie Ecclestone’s left shoulder revealed that she has sustained minor damage to the joint next to her collarbone.”
“She will continue to be evaluated ahead of Wednesday’s ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final against South Africa.”
Ecclestone is England’s joint-top wicket-taker at the World Cup, averaging 15.33 and claiming 12 dismissals. Fellow slow left-hander Lindsay Smith also took 12 wickets.
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Watch highlights of England’s group stage match against Sri Lanka
Sky Sports’ Nasser Hussain said: “It’s great news that Ecclestone is OK, as she has had shoulder problems in the past and will be reeling when she collapses in her last match in Vizag.”
“But we have seen her around the team hotel and spoken to England captain Nat Silver-Brunt and things seem to be going well.
“That’s very important. She’s very influential. When England came to Guwahati last night, she had a good grip and changed direction. So Ecclestone will be essential in the middle overs.”
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Ecclestone took 4 wickets in 5 overs as England beat Sri Lanka
Rawal’s absence ends India’s World Cup hopes
India’s hopes of winning its first Women’s Cricket World Cup title suffered a setback when lead-off batsman Pratika Rawal was ruled out of the semi-final match against Australia due to injury.
Rawal injured his ankle while defending goal in India’s final group stage match, which ended in an elimination game against Bangladesh on Sunday.
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Highlights of England narrowly defeating India by 4 points in Indore to advance to the semi-finals
“It’s tough to miss out due to injury, but my heart is with the team,” Lawal said in a social media post.
Rawal has made important contributions for India, scoring 100 hits in the group stage match against New Zealand.
The tournament organizers are aiming for their first World Cup victory. They finished fourth in the group stage and will face Australia on Thursday, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Watch the World Cup semi-final between England and South Africa live on Sky Sports Cricket from 9am (9.30am first pitch) on Wednesday. Stream cricket, darts, soccer and more now with no contract.
