Espncricinfo powerplay

T20 World Cup: England head coach Charlotte Edwards has identified Sophie Ecclestone as a key player for the side ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, praising the spinner’s impressive comeback after a difficult phase last year.

Ecclestone had previously revealed that she nearly walked away from the game following a challenging Ashes tour. However, she returned strongly and finished as the third-highest wicket-taker at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, reaffirming her importance to the England setup.

Reflecting on her turnaround, Edwards said on the ESPNcricinfo Powerplay podcast: “I think it was important that Sophie took that break last year because it had been a tough few months. What we’re seeing now is someone who’s eager to wear that England shirt.”