England Women draft in Sophie Ecclestone for T20 series against Pakistan
Friday 1 July 2016 11:54, UK
Lancashire teenager Sophie Ecclestone has been included in England Women's squad for the three-match NatWest International Twenty20 series against Pakistan.
The 17-year-old left-arm spinner is the latest newcomer to the international scene after Alex Hartley made her one-day international debut against Pakistan in Taunton earlier this week.
The 15-strong squad also sees the return of Kent left-arm seamer Natasha Farrant in place of vice-captain Anya Shrubsole, who has been ruled out due to a side injury.
Ecclestone and Farrant are the two changes to the squad that beat Pakistan 3-0 in the Royal London ODI series, with Ecclestone selected in place of Lancashire team-mate Kate Cross.
Head coach Mark Robinson said: "We've smashed a lot of boundaries and broken a lot of records so far this summer, and I couldn't be more proud of the team than I am right now.
Live Women's International T20 Cricket
"The NatWest IT20 series brings a new set of challenges and further opportunities for the players, and I'm really pleased to call-up Sophie Ecclestone for the first time, and to welcome Tash Farrant back into the dressing room.
"Sophie brings youth, vitality and another left-arm spin option alongside Alex Hartley into the squad. We have two world-class off-spinners in Danielle Hazell and Laura Marsh.
"But we must be aware of the talent we have underneath, making sure we are developing the likes of Alex and Sophie by having them in the group and giving them international matchday experience."
The IT20 series gets under way in Bristol on Sunday with the second match at the Ageas Bowl on Tuesday and the finale in Chelmsford two days later.
Squad: Heather Knight (capt), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Tash Farrant, Georgia Elwiss, Jenny Gunn, Alexandra Hartley, Danielle Hazell, Amy Jones (wkt), Laura Marsh, Natalie Sciver, Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield, Danielle Wyatt.
