Women's World Cup 2025: Sophie Ecclestone taken off was just 'precautionary', says Nat Sciver-Brunt

England Women captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has provided major news on Sophie Ecclestone and her medical state as the Three Lionesses get ready to face South Africa in the first semi-final of the ongoing Women's World Cup 2025. Ecclestone sustained a shoulder injury during England's dead rubber clash with New Zealand on Sunday, October 26.

Sciver-Brunt admitted that Ecclestone was brought off the field during the clash in Visakhapatnam and did not participate further because the coaching staff did not want to risk her participation for the vital clash on Wednesday, October 29 and possibly for the final as well, set to be held on November 2 in Navi Mumbai.

"I don't know anything further but it was definitely precautionary. We've got a huge match coming up against South Africa so we wouldn't want to risk anything now. We'll know more in a few days," stated Sciver-Brunt during the post-match presentation ceremony.

For the unversed, Ecclestone was initially off the field due to experiencing discomfort in her shoulder after landing awkwardly on the ground a couple of times in the very first over of the match itself against South Africa. She re-entered the field after several overs and was finally brought onto bowl.

Ecclestone did not look to be in the best of bowling rhythm while running in to bowl. She somehow managed to pick up a wicket, which was that of Brooke Halliday. However, she walked off the field, this time indefinitely, after just her fourth delivery of the spell.

"After landing awkwardly on her left shoulder in the field in the first over, Sophie Ecclestone experienced more discomfort while bowling and is now receiving treatment. As a precaution she won’t return to the field during England’s bowling innings," England Cricket had made an official statement while the first innings was underway.

Coming to the match, England notched up a comfortable eight-wicket win with 124 deliveries to spare at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Amy Jones secured the Player of the Match award for her unbeaten 92-ball 86-run knock, which comprised 11 fours and one six. Linsey Smith (3/30 in 9.2 overs) was yet again impressive with the ball.