Sophie Ecclestone happy to return to the rhythm of bowling again

England Women spinner Sophie Ecclestone was relieved to get back into the rhythm of bowling in the only Test against India at Bristol.
Ecclestone claimed four for 88 as the tourists lost their final five wickets quickly on the morning of day three to be dismissed for 231 before being asked to follow-on by Heather Knight.
Shafali Verma then struck her second half-century of the match as India reached 83 for one second time around before rain brought an early end to the day’s play.
What a way to start the day! 👌
Scorecard & Videos: https://t.co/AJk5wA8p4T#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/c7LOSydpVW
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 18, 2021
Ecclestone took a wicket with her first ball of the day before claiming another two to go with one on day two as India slipped from 167 without loss to be bowled out before lunch.
When the tourists batted again, Verma once more showcased her quality, looking comfortable at the crease as she finished unbeaten on 55, which included 11 fours from 68 balls.
“I think I’ve not played a Test match for a while so it’s just getting back into it and it’s just a weird situation to what I’m used to,” Ecclestone said.
“It’s just getting back into a rhythm and when I did, it helped this morning getting a first wicket with my first ball, it helped me relax more – so it was helpful getting that first wicket.”
Verma, who made 96 in the first innings, again looked to dominate and had made 41 when she offered a half-chance when she edged Kate Cross behind, but neither wicketkeeper Amy Jones nor first slip could get a hand to it.

“I think it’s always interesting when me and Shafali match up in whatever format of the game it is. I think it’s interesting when it comes to T20 and I think she’s been great in T20, so it’s really interesting to bowl at her.
“You never know what’s going to happen with her, you never know if you’re going to get whacked over the top or she’s going to miss one so it’s really interesting to bowl at her and it’s quite a good competition for me.”
Rain delay entertainment 😅 pic.twitter.com/5JXq7fMQ4r
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 18, 2021
Rain constantly interrupted the day, but Ecclestone insists England need to remain focused.
“It’s really frustrating… The ball’s not doing too much out there with the wet conditions, so it’s not ideal really for us all, and the seamers especially get frustrated,” she added.
“It’s just trying to hold on to our guns and not cracking first. Whoever breaks first will lose the battle, so it’s about sticking to bowling my best ball.”
Latest
-
News
Run of defeats has not damaged England’s confidence, insists Moeen Ali
The all-rounder is confident England will be in good shape for the defence of their World Cup crown.
-
County Cricket
Lancashire sign New Zealand pair Daryl Mitchell and Colin de Grandhomme
The all-rounders will be available to play in the LV= Insurance County Championship and Vitality T20 Blast throughout the season.
-
England
Jos Buttler admits he needs to find his rhythm as England lose to South Africa
The hosts won the second ODI by five wickets to clinch the series in Bloemfontein.
-
South Africa
Temba Bavuma hits hundred as South Africa secure ODI series win over England
The Proteas chased down 343 at Bloemfontein to go 2-0 up in the three-match series.
-
England
Jos Buttler and Harry Brook give England hope of levelling ODI series
England reached 342 for seven against South Africa, with Buttler making 94 and Brook 80.
-
England
Jason Roy was never ready to ‘roll over’ despite year of setbacks and low points
Roy has for so long been England’s pacesetter at the top of the order but lost his place in the side.
-
England
England batter Jason Roy emotional after return to form in South Africa defeat
Roy’s slump with the bat led to him being dropped ahead of England’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign last year.
-
England
Jofra Archer will ‘get better and better’ but England batting needs more bite
Archer took one for 81 on a hot and sunny afternoon in Bloemfontein.
-
England
England beaten by South Africa in first ODI despite blistering Jason Roy century
Roy scored 113 off just 91 balls but South Africa ran out winners by 27 runs.
-
Women's Cricket
England reach Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup final after winning thriller
With Australia 96 for nine chasing 100, the England captain trapped Maggie Clark lbw to send her side through to face India in the final.