In their World Cup semi-final against South Africa in Guwahati, England’s captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt, won the toss and chose to bowl first, therefore Sophie Ecclestone is likely to play through some pain early on.
In Sunday’s last group match against England and New Zealand, left-arm spinner Ecclestone injured her bowling shoulder while fielding.
At Wednesday’s toss, Sciver-Brunt stated that Ecclestone was ready to go despite a minor injury to the joint near to her collarbone that was discovered by scans. “She’ll probably be playing through a little bit of pain but she’s a player who doesn’t want to be sidelined at all,” said Sciver-Brunt.
Since Danni Wyatt-Hodge was brought in to support the middle order in lieu of Emma Lamb, even though she was only needed to face seven deliveries for two runs in an eight-wicket victory against New Zealand, England will enter the game with an unchanged squad.
In order to provide some extra assistance for Nadine de Klerk, who has been having a fantastic tournament in the middle order, South Africa made one change and chose to bring in Anneke Bosch in place of Masabata Klaas.
“We just felt like it’s something we needed, having someone to bat longer at the end with Nadine, who’s been amazing for us at this tournament,” stated South Africa’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt.
In their opening match of the competition, England defeated South Africa by ten wickets after South Africa was bowled out for 69.
For the crown on Sunday, the victor of this match will play either India or Australia, who play the second semi-final on Thursday.
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