Sophie Ecclestone takes temporary break from cricket ahead of crucial home series against India

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Taking scheduled breaks from cricket is fast becoming a growing and positive trend in the sport, especially among high-performing players. With international calendars packed and the mental toll of constant competition rising, more cricketers are stepping back to prioritize their physical health and mental well-being. This strategic downtime not only helps in injury management but also boosts longevity and performance in the long run. In the recent past, many prominent cricketers including Glenn Maxwell, Ben Stokes and Sarah Taylor took break from the game to manage their workload and mental health issues.

The latest to join this wave of conscious self-care is England Women’s premier cricketer, Sophie Ecclestone. The left-arm spinner has decided to temporarily step away from cricket to focus on her recovery and general well-being. According to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Ecclestone is nursing a minor quad injury and that’s why she is not featuring in the ongoing home series against the West Indies. Despite the break, she remains very much in England’s future plans and is available for selection for the upcoming series against India, starting later this month.

Ecclestone’s decision comes at a time when she has been delivering strong performances despite physical setbacks. She claimed 14 wickets in eight games across formats recently, including a crucial four-wicket haul in the T20 Women’s County Cup final for her domestic side.

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Notably, England’s home season is building up towards a highly anticipated white-ball series against India, beginning with the first T20I at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on June 28, followed by a three-match ODI leg from July 16 in Southampton. Ecclestone is expected to rejoin the squad for the India series, provided she feels ready after her rest period. Her return could provide a massive boost to the English bowling attack, especially against a strong Indian lineup.

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