The excitement is building as England Women have unveiled their 14-player squad for the eagerly anticipated Women’s T20I series against India, set to begin on June 28. With the return of left-arm spin ace Sophie Ecclestone, England looks poised for a thrilling contest against one of the world’s best sides.
Lancashire’s Sophie Ecclestone, widely regarded as one of the world’s premier spinners, is back in the England squad following a spell away from international cricket. Her inclusion adds experience and firepower to a team already brimming with self-belief after their recent clean sweep against the West Indies, an impressive start for new head coach Charlotte Edwards and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt.
Head Coach Charlotte Edwards expressed her excitement, “We’re really looking forward to taking on India. They’re one of the best sides in the world, and it’ll be a huge test for us. There was lots to be happy about in the West Indies series, but equally lots of things we want to keep improving on, We’re always looking at getting better.”
Sophie Ecclestone has recently featured in two one-day matches and six T20s for Lancashire, though she was withdrawn from the fixture against Hampshire due to a quad issue. In the ongoing Women’s T20 Blast, she has bowled in a couple of innings for Lancashire, claiming two wickets at an average of 25 and maintaining an economy rate of 7.31.
Ecclestone’s standout performances came in the Women’s T20 County Cup 2025, where she finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. She took 11 wickets in just four innings, boasting an exceptional average of 5.27 and an economy of 3.66. Her efforts included a match-winning spell in the final against Surrey on May 26, 2025, where she recorded figures of 4-0-12-4, turning the game decisively in Lancashire’s favour.
The squad features a blend of seasoned campaigners and dynamic young talent, including the likes of Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones, Sophia Dunkley, and Alice Capsey, as well as pace sensations Lauren Bell and Issy Wong. Notably, spinner Sarah Glenn misses out this time, underlining the fierce competition within England’s spin-bowling ranks, a testament to the growing depth in the women’s game.
For Glenn, Edwards was quick to offer words of encouragement: “It’s now a great opportunity for Sarah to go back to The Blaze and play some competitive cricket in the Vitality Blast.”
With five T20Is scheduled at some of England’s most iconic venues, the series serves as a crucial litmus test for both teams ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England. Big crowds and spirited cricket are all but guaranteed as England seek to fine-tune their combinations and build momentum.
England Women T20I squad for India series:
Nat Sciver-Brunt (C), Emily Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Paige Scholfield, Linsey Smith, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Issy Wong
The stage is set for a memorable season of women’s cricket, with the England-India rivalry promising high-octane action, tactical intrigue, and individual brilliance. For England, this is more than just a series; it’s a crucial step in their journey towards T20 World Cup glory on home turf.
Fixtures:
June 28 – 1st T20I, Trent Bridge, 18:30
July 1 – 2nd T20I, Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, 18:30
July 4 – 3rd T20I, The Kia Oval, 18:35
July 9 – 4th T20I, Emirates Old Trafford, 18:30
July 12 – 5th T20I, Edgbaston, 18:35
