Sophie Ecclestone returns for India tour

The 24-year-old left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone marks her return in both the Test and the T20I squad against India later in the year. Ecclestone underwent a shoulder surgery back in September after injuring herself during the Women’s Hundred in August. 

Ecclestone is expected to continue her rehabilitation until the tour of India, which kicks off with the T20I series on December 6, with the one-off Test scheduled for December 14. Wicketkeeper-batter Bess Heath has been included in both squads, after impressing the selectors at The Hundred. 

Heath made her ODI debut earlier in the year against Sri Lanka. All-rounder Alice Capsey too, is likely to find a place in the 15-member squad for the Test. 

"We have a nice blend of youth and experience. It's an exciting squad and a group that is ready to take on the challenge of what will be a really tough series in India," England head coach Jon Lewis said.

"We haven't toured India for a number of years. We have players who have experienced playing in the Women's Premier League but many haven't played international cricket there before. Playing in Indian conditions is great preparation for our next two World Cups in the subcontinent and will be an amazing learning opportunity for both the players and the staff,” he added.

T20I squad: Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Mahika Gaur , Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danielle Wyatt

Test squad: Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Heather Knight (c), Emma Lamb, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danielle Wyatt