Women’s World Cup – England opt to field with Sophie Ecclestone in their XI; South Africa bring in Anneke Bosch

Toss England chose to bowl vs South Africa

Left-arm spinner Ecclestone hurt her bowling shoulder while fielding in England’s last group game against New Zealand on Sunday. Scans revealed a minor injury to the joint next to her collarbone but Sciver-Brunt said at the toss on Wednesday that Ecclestone was raring to go. “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,” Sciver-Brunt said.

That means England take an unchanged side into the match with Danni Wyatt-Hodge holding her place after being brought in for Emma Lamb to bolster the middle order, although she was only required to face seven deliveries for two runs against New Zealand in an eight-wicket victory.South Africa made one change, opting for an extra batter with Anneke Bosch replacing Masabata Klaas to offer some added support for Nadine de Klerk, who has been enjoying an excellent tournament in the middle order.

Laura Wolvaardt, South Africa’s skipper, said, “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.”

The winner of this match will face either Australia or India, who play the second semi-final on Thursday, for the title on Sunday.

England: Amy Jones (wk), Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba