Summary:
- Sophie Ecclestone suffered a minor shoulder injury but is expected to be fit for England’s semi-final.
- Ecclestone has taken 12 wickets so far, sharing top wicket-taker honors with Linsey Smith.
- India’s Pratika Rawal is ruled out of their semi-final against Australia due to an ankle injury.
England are feeling more confident that star spinner Sophie Ecclestone will be ready for their Women’s World Cup semi-final against South Africa on Wednesday, despite the shoulder injury she picked up just days ago.
Ongoing Assessments
The left-arm spinner, who tops the world rankings in one-day internationals, hurt herself trying to stop a boundary early in England’s win over New Zealand on Sunday. The 26-year-old landed awkwardly on her left shoulder, left the field briefly for treatment, and later returned to bowl.
Ecclestone then managed to take a wicket but threw only four deliveries before pulling herself out of the attack.
Later MRI scans showed a minor injury to her sternoclavicular joint near her collarbone, making her availability for the semi-final initially, with only three days between games, look doubtful. However, England’s medical staff and team management are now increasingly hopeful she’ll be fit in time for the match in Guwahati.
An England and Wales Cricket Board spokesperson explained Sophie will “continue to be assessed ahead of Wednesday’s ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final against South Africa.”
Ecclestone has proven to be crucial during England’s World Cup campaign, sharing the team’s top wicket-taking honors with Linsey Smith. Both have taken 12 wickets so far, and Ecclestone’s experience and control could be key against a strong South African batting lineup.
India’s Rawal, Out with Ankle Injury
Meanwhile, India have been dealt a major blow ahead of their own semi-final against Australia. Opening batter Pratika Rawal has been ruled out after injuring her ankle while trying to save a boundary in their final group game, a rain-affected draw with Bangladesh.
Rawal has been one of India’s most consistent performers this tournament, including a century against New Zealand. Losing her on the eve of the knockout stage is a tough setback for a side chasing its first Women’s World Cup title.
India, which finished fourth in the group stage, will face Australia on Thursday.
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