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
