Alice Capsey hails ‘incredible’ Sophie Ecclestone ahead of England-Pakistan

Alice Capsey has praised Sophie Ecclestone for the “calmness and knowledge” she brings to England’s spin attack ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup encounter with Pakistan.

Along with captain Nat Sciver-Brunt’s century, Ecclestone played a starring role against Sri Lanka on Saturday, taking four for 17 as England secured an 89-run win.

Ecclestone has now taken nine wickets from three matches and her experience was described as “so valuable” by all-rounder Capsey, another spinner who has three wickets herself so far.

“Soph has been incredible, just the way she has left her mark on this tournament in the three games we have played so far,” the 21-year-old said.

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Impressive

“We’ve seen it so much in her career so far, but I think the way she’s going about things, especially in this tournament where that extreme twist is happening, she’s brilliant at assessing the conditions so quickly, using her experience and figuring out what pace she wants to bowl at to get the most out of the wicket. It’s been impressive.

“She just knows when to attack and when to control the game, she reads the game so well and has so much experience.

“It adds a level of calm and knowledge to this spin attack that is so valuable.”

Improvement

England are unbeaten so far with wins against South Africa, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and a win against Pakistan would see them rise to the top of the standings.

Charlotte Edwards’ side then approach the end of the group stage with tough tests against India and Australia before finishing with a clash against New Zealand, and Capsey stressed the importance of continuing to make marginal gains.

She said: “There’s room for improvement in all our aspects of the game. It’s been great in the first three games, we’ve had one top six batsman really make a mark.”

“Nat’s hundred the other day was very special to see.

“For us as a batting unit, we’ve talked about taking our partnerships from the 20s and 30s to the 60s and 70s and really working together, so a few more contributors at the top of the rankings.

“We also have a world-class spin attack with our bowling and our sears are really trying their best.

“There are a lot of different aspects and different things that we talk about, which is great.

“I think it’s a really good place to be three of three and still talk about one percent of where you can improve and take to the next game.”

Dominating

Pakistan are still looking for their first points of the tournament after defeats against Bangladesh, India and Australia.

Pakistan reduced Australia to 76 for seven in their final match, before Beth Mooney responded with a century, then were bowled out for 114 in pursuit of 222.

Capsey said: “One of the biggest things is that they may not have won a game so far, but they are certainly not a team that we take lightly.

“They obviously didn’t get the results they were looking for, but they were in some really dominant positions.”

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