Ecclestone returns to England setup for India T20Is

Sophie Ecclestone returns to the England set-up in a 14-member strong squad announced for their upcoming five-match T20I home series against India starting from June 28. Ecclestone is coming back off a break from cricket, she had taken earlier this month which saw her miss the recently concluded white-ball series against West Indies. The inclusion of Ecclestone has meant that legspinner Sarah Glenn has missed out of the squad.

Former captain Heather Knight also misses out with a hamstring injury she suffered in a T20I against the West Indies last month and Lauran Filer takes her place. The rest of the squad is on similar lines to that of the T20I squad which faced the West Indies last month.

England T20I Squad: Em Arlott , Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Paige Scholfield, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Issy Wong

Speaking about the squad selection, head coach Charlotte Edwards was ecstatic to have Ecclestone back in the ranks and felt facing India in a five-match series would help her team get better, heading to a home T20 World Cup next year.

"We're really looking forward to taking on India. They're one of the best sides in the world and it'll be a huge test for us," Edwards said. " Five games against India in front of big crowds at great venues will serve us really well. This is a significant series for us with the countdown well and truly underway towards the home ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

"It's great to have Soph back, and we're looking forward to having her back in the group. She has obvious qualities and she'll be an asset to us. It does mean Sarah Glenn misses out, we are blessed with a strong group of spinners and we unfortunately can't play them all."

The squad for the three-match ODI series is yet to be announced.