Watch: Sophie Ecclestone covered her mouth in disbelief after taking a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Phoebe Litchfield in the first ODI of the Women’s Ashes today (12 July).

Alyssa Healy had been pinned lbw in the first over of the must-win game for England in Bristol but by the end of the powerplay Australia were motoring once more. Ecclestone came on to bowl her first over in the 12th and was hit for four off her final ball by Ellyse Perry, taking Australia to 69-1.

However, stationed at mid-wicket for the next over, she put a stop to Australia’s momentum. Nat Sciver-Brunt bowled her first ball of the over on off-stump, which Litchfield tried to flay away over Ecclestone’s head and down to the boundary. She came within a fingernail’s width of getting enough elevation as Ecclestone leapt high in the air, just getting her hand to it.

Stretched full length off the ground, Ecclestone grabbed the ball with her left hand before tumbling onto the grass, the ball still firmly in her grasp. Laying on her front and realising the level of catch she had just pulled off, she clasped her hand to her mouth in disbelief, looking back and forth between the ball and her approaching teammates.

Her successful effort meant Litchfield had to go for 34 off 35 balls, and England avoided an ominous-looking innings. Australia need to win just one of the three ODIs to retain the Ashes. A victory in Bristol would draw England level with them on points for the series.

Watch Sophie Ecclestone take a stunning one-handed catch below:

SOPHIE ECCLESTONE, THAT IS UNREAL!!

An Eccy Speccy™️#EnglandCricket #Ashes pic.twitter.com/lM0bOee86W

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 12, 2023

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