Ahead of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 semifinal against South Africa, England remained hopeful that Sophie Ecclestone would be fit for the crucial clash in Guwahati on Wednesday.

The left-arm spinner injured her shoulder while attempting to stop a boundary during England’s final group-stage match against New Zealand on Sunday. She landed awkwardly and was forced to leave the field for treatment.

Ecclestone later returned to bowl in Visakhapatnam, but could deliver only four balls before withdrawing from the attack — though she did manage to claim a wicket in that brief spell..

Following an assessment, the team released a statement: “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 semifinal against South Africa.”

Ecclestone has taken 12 wickets in six matches so far.

Published on Oct 29, 2025