Ecclestone Eyes T20 WC Redemption After 'Tough' Phase Ecclestone, 27, has been a pivotal figure in England's bowling lineup despite her 10 years of international cricket experience. She rose to prominence after her debut at 17, becoming England's top wicket-taker in Women's T20s in 2024, surpassing Katherine Sciver-Brunt. Her career trajectory was steady until England's poor performance in the Ashes in Australia this year, which marked a turning point for her both professionally and personally. The defeat led to intense scrutiny, and Ecclestone privately dealt with personal challenges beyond cricket. "I was going through such a tough period—there was a time when I didn't leave my house for five days," Ecclestone told BBC Sport. "It wasn't just cricket; it was life generally. When that isn't great, cricket takes a turn for the worse. I wasn't enjoying the environment and just wanted to run away. But I'm back. Things are so different now—I can play cricket with a smile on my face again." Ecclestone emphasized the importance of seeking professional support during her mental health struggles. She never anticipated turning to a psychiatrist but now views it as essential for her recovery. She credited former England coach Jon Lewis and current coach Charlotte Edwards for their role in helping her navigate career challenges. As a senior squad member, Ecclestone believes her experiences have also influenced how she mentors young players entering international cricket. "International cricket is so hard these days. You're under so much more scrutiny than we've ever been before, especially compared to when I made my debut at 17," she said. "For those girls coming in, it will be a bit of a rollercoaster. It's important for them to know they've got people around to talk to and that it's OK to have bad days.#ashes #charlotte_edwards #ecclestone #katherine_sciver_brunt #jon_lewis
Royal Challengers Bengaluru faces uncertainty ahead of IPL 2026 opener as Josh Hazlewood's fitness remains in question Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is preparing for the IPL 2026 season, but the team is grappling with a significant challenge as Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood’s availability remains uncertain. The 34-year-old pacer, a key figure in RCB’s recent success, is dealing with a fitness concern that could impact his participation in the tournament. The team is awaiting clarity on his readiness ahead of the opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28. Hazlewood played a pivotal role in RCB’s 2025 IPL title win, finishing as the team’s leading wicket-taker and delivering a standout performance in the final against Punjab Kings. His ability to generate pace and movement off the pitch was instrumental in key moments during the championship run. However, his absence from the Ashes and the ICC T20 World Cup due to injury has raised concerns about his recovery timeline. Reports suggest Hazlewood has been under close medical supervision, with physiotherapists monitoring his progress. While there is optimism about his potential return, a definitive timeline for his comeback remains unclear. For RCB, which relied heavily on his contributions during powerplay overs, his possible exclusion could weaken the bowling attack. The team’s management is now focused on addressing this gap, with the possibility of relying on younger bowlers or adjusting strategies to compensate for his absence. As the 2026 season approaches, the uncertainty surrounding Hazlewood’s fitness adds pressure to the squad’s preparations. The outcome of this situation will be critical in determining RCB’s prospects for retaining their title.#ipl_2026 #royal_challengers_bengaluru #sunrisers_hyderabad #josh_hazlewood #ashes
