Alice Capsey has praised Sophie Ecclestone for the “calmness and knowledge” she brings to England’s spin attack ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup meeting with Pakistan.
Together with captain Nat Sciver-Brunt’s century, Ecclestone played a starring role against Sri Lanka on Saturday, taking 4 for 17 as England secured a 89-run win.
Ecclestone has now taken nine wickets from three games and her experience was described as “so useful” by all-rounder Capsey, one other spinner who has three wickets herself to this point.
“Soph’s been incredible, just the way in which she’s put her mark on this tournament to this point within the three games we’ve played,” the 21-year-old said.
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Impressive
“We’ve seen it a lot over her profession to this point, but I feel the way in which she’s going about things, especially on this tournament where there may be that extreme turn, she’s been sensible at assessing the conditions so quickly, using her experience and checking out what pace she desires to bowl at to get essentially the most out of the wicket. It’s been impressive.
“Just knowing when to attack and when to manage the sport, she reads the sport so well and has a lot experience.
“It adds a level of calmness and knowledge to this spin attack that’s so useful.”
(Andrew Matthews/PA)
Improvement
England are unbeaten to this point with wins against South Africa, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and victory against Pakistan would see them climb to the highest of the standings.
Charlotte Edwards’ side then approach the top of the group stage with tough tests against India and Australia before ending with a clash against Latest Zealand, and Capsey stressed the importance of continuous to make marginal gains.
She said: “There’s room for improvement in all of our facets of the sport. It’s been amazing in the primary three games, we’ve had one batter from the highest six really make a stamp.
“Nat’s hundred the opposite day was really special to look at.
“For us as a batting unit, we’ve spoken about making our partnerships from 20s and 30s to 60s and 70s and really working together, so just just a few more contributors at the highest of the order.
“Then also with our bowling, we’ve got a world-class spin attack and our seamers are really chipping in as well.
“A number of different facets and different bits we’re talking about, which is great.
“I feel it’s a very good place to be three from three and still talking about one per cents of where you possibly can improve and take into the following game.”
(Mike Egerton/PA)
Dominating
Pakistan are still trying to find their first points of the tournament following defeats to Bangladesh, India and Australia.
Pakistan reduced Australia to 76 for seven of their last match, before Beth Mooney responded with a century, and were then bowled out for 114 in pursuit of 222.
Capsey said: “One among the largest things, they could not have won a game to this point but they’re definitely not a team we’re taking calmly.
“They’ve obviously not got the outcomes they were after, but they’ve been in some really dominating positions.”
READ MORE: Nat Sciver-Brunt ton inspires England to Women’s World Cup win over Sri Lanka
