IND-W vs ENG-W 2023: Charlie Dean doubtful for first T20I

Star England offspinner Charlie Dean is likely to miss the first T20I against India at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on December 6, Wednesday.  Dean was the last one to be sidelined due to a stomach bug that occurred at the England A camp during the three-game T20I series against India A, according to Heather Knight. The England captain also confirmed that they are undergoing a strict quarantine since the issue originated.

"Charlie Dean is the latest to go down and can take a little bit of time to recover from that. She is the only one that is in potential doubt. We have had a strict quarantine and transition period to come across to the England team [from the A side]. We'll see how she is [as the series progresses]," Knight said on the eve of the match. 

Apart from Dean, left-armer Sophie Ecclestone, leg spinner Sarah Glenn, and part-time offspinner Alice Capsey are England's spin options. It is worth noting that Ecclestone is making her return following surgery as she dislocated her right shoulder while warming up before a match in the women's Hundred tournament. Notably, the left-arm spinner went on to miss the Women's Big Bash League and also skipped the white-ball series against Sri Lanka.

Taking about Ecclestone's fitness, Knight stated that she was doing well as the spinner had already started her bowling practice. Notably, Ecclestone has taken part in England's two-week training camp in Oman before travelling with the squad to India.

"She is doing really well. She is back bowling. The bowling won't be an issue. Probably fielding, a bit nervousness. I have had injuries before, and it is always [about] getting over and trusting your body again. In the heat of the battle, Sophie will be doing that and should be able to get over that. She has been tracking really well in training. She has been fielding, diving and things like that. We'll keep an eye on her as she is a key player for us," Knight further said.