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England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt Is “pretty confident” Sophie Ecclestone can be ready for World Cup semi-finals South Africa,
The left-arm spinner fell awkwardly on her left shoulder while trying to block a four during England’s group win new zealand On Sunday.
After leaving the field for treatment, Ecclestone returned and managed four balls – including the wicket of Brook Halliday – before withdrawing from the attack.
However, there is optimism that Ecclestone could be available ahead of the final four clash with South Africa in Guwahati on Wednesday.
Sciver-Brunt said: “She had a scan after the last game and has a minor shoulder injury. She has been training this evening so we are confident she will be ready for tomorrow’s game.”
An England and Wales Cricket Board spokesperson provided an update on Tuesday, saying: “The results of an MRI scan on Sophie Ecclestone’s left shoulder indicate a minor injury to the joint next to her collar bone.
“She will continue to be assessed ahead of Wednesday’s ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final against South Africa.”
Ecclestone is England’s joint-leading wicket-taker at the World Cup with 12 dismissals and Sciver-Brunt is confident that, even if the spinner is not fully fit if selected, the team can rely on other bowling options.
“It’s probably an acknowledgment that she may not be 100 percent, but she’s the player she is, no matter how she’s feeling, she’s going to want to get on that pitch,” Sciver-Brunt said.
“I think we showed in the game against New Zealand that we were able to adapt the bowling plans. Obviously different people bowled a bit more, Sophia Dunkley also got a few overs.
“I think the point is that we have options in our line-up so I think we’ll be ready for any challenges that come our way.”
Another bowler who has made a mark in this year’s tournament is Lynsey Smith, who has also taken 12 wickets.
Smith performed brilliantly in England’s opening match against the Proteas, taking three for seven and Sciver-Brunt has impressed with the spinners.
“She came in the first game and made a huge impact,” the England captain said.
“I think that’s what you want as an opening bowler. In the past England have used a lot of seam bowlers to open the bowling, but she can also obviously swing it and make it very difficult for the batsmen to score runs.
“She has been a huge player for our team. It’s a big responsibility to open the bowling, but she has taken it seriously and really thinks differently about the way she bowls. She has been a huge asset to our team.”
Smith’s figures contributed to a big 10-wicket win against South Africa in the opening game, but Sciver-Brunt expects a different challenge in the semi-final.
He said: “I think it would be foolish to assume it will be exactly the same. It was a long time ago in the tournament and we’ve played a lot of games since then.
“South Africa have played some great games since then and are a dangerous team. I can’t really believe it will be the same.”
“You never think you’ll be able to take 10 wickets so quickly in a match. We’ll prepare the same way we do for every team.”