Sophie Ecclestone
Sophie Ecclestone (Credits: Getty)

Ahead of the Women’s T20 Challenge, Sophie Ecclestone, England’s off-spinner, talks about being the number one T20I bowler in the world and the pressure which comes with it going forward.

Ecclestone became the top-ranked ICC T20I bowler during the T20 World Cup earlier in the year. She along with India’s opener Shefali Verma attained top rankings in bowling and batting respectively owing to their performances in the World Cup.

Women's T20 World Cup, Team of the Tournament, ICC, Australia,
(Source: Twitter)

I am excited and want to stay there for as long as I can: Sophie Ecclestone

In an interview given to ESPNcricinfo, Sophie Ecclestone said that she is young and has plenty to learn, on being asked if she is the leader of England’s bowling group.  She said she was not the first one to know about the rankings. It was her boyfriend who told her about it. She also said that it has been her long-term goal to achieve the top ICC ranking. The off-spinner wishes to be on top, but acknowledges the contest as Australia’s Megan Schutt is just behind her.

Chatting with Matt Roller on ESPNcricinfo, Sophie Ecclestone said, “I don’t think so. I am quite young, I am 21. So, I can still learn a lot and work hard. I was out with my boyfriend and he asked me if I looked at Twitter. It was me and Shefali (Verma) at top of the ICC rankings. My mum and dad texted me, so it was really nice.”

“It has been a long-term goal for me to be number one in the world and to recognize it is really good. I hope I can stay there for a while because Megan Schutt is at number two. But I am excited and want to stay there for as long as I can.”

BCCI | Harnanpreet Kaur | Smriti Mandhana |
Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana pose for the cameras. Credit: Annesha Ghosh

On about her role in the side as an overseas player, she said there are responsibilities that come with being an overseas player and the team will expect her to live up to her reputation as a number one T20I bowler.

 “Being an overseas player there is generally a lot of pressure. The teams take a reputation for their overseas players and expect a lot from them. I hope I can give back and perform well,” she added.

The Women’s T20 Challenge begins in Sharjah on 4th November. Sophie Ecclestone will play under the leadership of Smriti Mandhana for the Trailblazers.

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