England’s women’s T20 World Cup campaign gains stability as spinner Sophie Ecclestone says Charlie Dean will slip back into the captaincy “like a duck to water” for the next two games. Dean assumes leadership against Scotland in the group at Headingley on Saturday and West Indies at Lord’s on Wednesday after Nat Sciver‑Brunt re‑injured her left calf in the win over Ireland for the side.

Dean’s brief stint as stand‑in skipper during England’s warm‑up series against New Zealand and India produced back‑to‑back T20 series victories, earning the squad confidence. Ecclestone believes the seamless transition will help England chase a third straight win after beating Sri Lanka and Ireland. With Sciver‑Brunt’s place likely to go to reserve batter Sophia Dunkley, the batting order remains fluid.

Scotland’s line‑up features former England left‑armer Kirstie Gordon, who switched allegiance last December and has claimed four wickets in two World Cup outings. Ecclestone warns the Bryce sisters – captain Kathryn and all‑rounder Sarah – pose a serious threat and must be contained. England’s ability to neutralise these opponents will decide whether they maintain a perfect start to the tournament.