ENG vs PAK, Women’s World Cup 2025: Here’s why Sophie Ecclestone is not playing today’s match

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England are taking on Pakistan in Match 16 of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The English side have been in commanding form throughout the tournament, winning all three of their games so far and sitting comfortably in the top half of the points table. Pakistan, on the other hand, are yet to register a victory, having suffered three consecutive losses. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, inconsistency has plagued their campaign, leaving them desperate for a turnaround against a well-settled England side.

At the toss, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana won the toss and opted to bowl first under overcast conditions in Colombo. England, however, were forced into two unexpected changes due to illness concerns in their camp. Experienced duo Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell were ruled out of the clash, making way for Sarah Glenn and Em Arlott. The absence of Ecclestone, currently the world’s top-ranked spinner, is a significant setback for England, considering her crucial role in controlling the middle overs.

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt addressed the situation during the toss, providing clarity on the changes and reassuring fans about the team’s depth.

“I would have bowled as well. We have got two missing out unwell – Ecclestone and Bell are out, Sarah Glenn and Em are in. Illness in the camp, obviously not good for those individuals, but it is a chance for others down the line to get some overs under their belt. In a tournament like this, you are going to need every one of your squad members, so it is a great chance for Sarah and Em to come into the game and hopefully make an impact,” Sciver-Brunt said.

With Ecclestone and Bell sidelined, the responsibility falls on Glenn and Arlott to step up. Glenn, known for her clever variations and control, will look to exploit the spin-friendly surface at R. Premadasa. Arlott, on the other hand, brings pace and aggression to the attack and will aim to make early inroads with the new ball.

This match also serves as a chance for England to test their bench strength ahead of the knockout stage. The team management will be hoping that Ecclestone and Bell recover swiftly, as their experience could prove vital in the latter stages of the tournament.

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Pakistan Women: Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (c), Sidra Nawaz (wk), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu

England Women: Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones (wk), Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb, Alice Capsey, Charlotte Dean, Sarah Glenn, Linsey Smith, Em Arlott

Also WATCH: Bangladesh players break down in tears after heartbreaking defeat to South Africa in Women’s World Cup 2025

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.