Sophie Ecclestone returns as ECB announces England women's squad for five-match T20Is series against India

England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced 14-member England Women's squad for the upcoming five-match T20 International series against Team India, which is set to kick off on June 28. This announcement also marks the return of left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who had recently taken a temporary break from cricket. Following the T20I series, India Women's tour of England will also feature a three-match ODI series. Earlier in June, the 26-year-old Ecclestone had taken a short break from domestic cricket to manage a minor quadriceps injury and to focus on her overall well-being.

The T20I series between India and England will start with the opening match on June 28 at Trent Bridge. The second match will be held at Bristol on July 1, followed by the third T20I at the Oval on July 4. The final two matches of the series are scheduled for July 9th and 12th at Old Trafford and Edgbaston, respectively.

"Ecclestone bolsters a group coming off the back of a 3-0 win against West Indies, the first series in charge for Edwards and new captain Nat Sciver-Brunt," England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement.

Meanwhile, England women's head coach Charlotte Edwards said:

"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. 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 ICC Women's T20 World Cup."

England’s T20I squad for home series against India:

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

Right after the T20I series, both England and India will play a three match ODIs on July 16, July 19 and July 22 respectively.

India's updated T20I squad:

T20Is: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav.

India's ODI squad:

Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav.