Sophie Ecclestone has targeted World Cup glory or an Ashes victory over the next 12 months after she reached her latest milestone in England’s emphatic one-day international win over Pakistan at Chelmsford on Wednesday.
England won by 178 runs in the third ODI in Essex to clinch the series by a 2-0 score with the hosts’ able to post 302 for five before Pakistan’s innings ended on 124.
After Nat Sciver-Brunt hit a superb unbeaten century, Ecclestone claimed three for 15, which included her 100th ODI scalp.
Sophie Ecclestone's 100th ODI wicket!
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 29, 2024
She never stops amazing us #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/GcX8VjyoTn
It made the spinner the fastest bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets after she achieved the feat in 63 innings to move top of a prestigious list that includes Cathryn Fitzpatrick (64), Megan Schutt (66) and Jess Jonassen (67) amongst others.
“It’s obviously really cool,” Ecclestone said.
“Obviously when I was younger, I used to watch them all on TV, so to overtake them and take 100 ODI wickets is very special.
“I think I just want to win a World Cup or an Ashes (next), to be honest. I’m not won one yet.
“Obviously if I keep taking wickets, hopefully that means the team is winning and we’re getting closer to a World Cup winners’ medal or being Ashes winners.”
The prospect of both accomplishments being completed are a possibility with England set for the T20 World Cup in October before they visit Australia at the start of 2025.
I think the best thing for me is to keep enjoying it and I have got the best team around me to keep enjoying my cricket.
England’s victory in Essex made it five wins from six matches this summer after they also secured a 3-0 T20 series win over Pakistan.
Sciver-Brunt hit a superb unbeaten 124 at Chelmsford, her ninth ODI hundred, to lead England over the 300-mark with Maia Bouchier (34) and Danni Wyatt (44) also able to provide key contributions.
The recalled Lauren Bell ensured England made a strong start with the ball after she claimed a double early scalp before Sciver-Brunt followed up her ton with a two-wicket haul.
It was then over to Ecclestone and she brought up her 100th ODI wicket when Nashra Sandhu edged behind to Heather Knight to depart for a golden duck.
Ecclestone told Sky Sports: “I think the best thing for me is to keep enjoying it and I have got the best team around me to keep enjoying my cricket.
“I feel like I play my best when I am enjoying it and having a laugh with the girls on the field, so hopefully I keep enjoying it and stay there.
“I think I have always got to try to be one step ahead of (batters), whether it’s my fields or what I am trying to bowl or trying to use my arm ball when I can.
“Yeah, obviously I have a great bowling attack around me, which means I can be really attacking with my fields.”