Sophie Ecclestone is capable of playing men’s first-class cricket: Alex Hartley

Sophie Ecclestone was sensational with the ball in hand in England’s World Cup semifinal encounter against the South Africans. The left-arm spinner prized out six South African batters in her eight-over spell and played a key role in England thrashing their opponents by 137 runs.

England cricketer Alex Hartley feels that Ecclestone is capable of playing men’s first-class cricket. Adding that Ecclestone is so good, Hartley stated that she has seen the England left-arm spinner perform at a different level in the World Cup.

“There has been a lot of talk in the commentary box in recent weeks – who is better, Jack Leach or Sophie Ecclestone. It is a debate we have been having a lot. You would not often compare men’s and women’s cricketers, but I genuinely believe Ecclestone could play first-class cricket for a men’s side, because she is just so good. In this World Cup, I have seen a whole new level from her in terms of her mindset,” wrote Hartley for The Telegraph.

Sophie Ecclestone has the fighting spirit in her: Alex Hartley

Alex Hartley also said that Ecclestone has the fighting spirit that she should always perform at her best. Adding that she had already predicted that Ecclestone would be the leading wicket-taker in the Women’s World Cup, Hartley concluded by stating that Ecclestone is the best bowler in the world, and the latest ICC rankings (where Ecclestone is the No.1 ranked ODI bowler) has vindicated her statement.

“She has that fighting spirit you need to be the best. From the start of the tournament, I said Ecclestone would be the leading wicket-taker and that she was the best bowler in the world, and both are now officially true as she tops the world rankings as the best one-day international bowler in the women’s game,” concluded Hartley.

Ecclestone will next be seen in action on 3rd April 2022, when England take on Australia in the final of the Women’s World Cup.