England Opt to Bowl with Sophie Ecclestone in XI; South Africa Add Anneke Bosch for Semi-Final Clash

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt won the toss and chose to bowl first against South Africa in the Women’s World Cup semi-final in Guwahati on Wednesday. The defending champions have retained the same XI that defeated New Zealand in their final group match, with Sophie Ecclestone cleared to play despite a shoulder injury scare.

Ecclestone, the world’s top-ranked left-arm spinner, injured her bowling shoulder while fielding during England’s last league fixture against New Zealand. Scans revealed a minor issue near her collarbone, but Sciver-Brunt confirmed at the toss that the spinner was fit and determined to feature in the crucial knockout.

“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.

England’s decision to remain unchanged means Danni Wyatt-Hodge keeps her place in the middle order after replacing Emma Lamb earlier in the tournament. Wyatt-Hodge faced just seven balls for two runs in England’s comprehensive eight-wicket win over New Zealand but continues to provide valuable balance to the batting line-up.

South Africa, meanwhile, made one change to their side, opting for an extra batter to strengthen the middle order. Anneke Bosch comes in for seamer Masabata Klaas, providing additional support to Nadine de Klerk, who has been one of South Africa’s standout performers in the tournament.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt explained the reasoning behind the switch:

“We just felt like it’s something we needed — having someone who can bat longer with Nadine, who’s been amazing for us throughout the tournament.”

The two teams met earlier in the group stage, where England dominated, bowling South Africa out for just 69 before chasing down the target without losing a wicket.

The winner of today’s semi-final will face either Australia or India, who contest the second semi-final on Thursday, in the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday.

Playing XIs:
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.