Sophie Ecclestone: England spinner says she has “moved on” from refusal to do interview

Ecclestone’s refusal to do an interview was prior to the first T20, at which point England were already 6-0 down in the multi-format points-based series.

Clare Connor, the managing director of England women’s cricket, has since described the episode as “an unfortunate incident that won’t happen again”. Ecclestone and Hartley have not spoken since.

Asked why she refused the interview, Ecclestone reiterated her wish to look forward.

“Everyone has moved on now, as I said,” the left-arm spinner said.

“There is not much more to be said about that story.

“Me and Alex have moved on and we have both learned from that. I am excited for the summer to start.”

Former spinner Hartley, who is currently working with Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League, told BBC Sport: “Sophie and I respect one another and we absolutely have moved on. We will continue to move forward.”

The fallout from England’s defeat in Australia resulted in Jon Lewis and Heather Knight being sacked as coach and captain respectively.

Lewis has been replaced by legendary former captain Charlotte Edwards, who said at her unveiling she will make players “accountable” for fitness.

After England were knocked out of the T20 World Cup group stage in October, former spinner Hartley said some players were “letting the team down” in terms of fitness.

“Everyone has got their own opinion and everyone is entitled to that,” Ecclestone said.

“Not many people see how hard we work behind closed doors as cricketers and people. People can have their own opinion.

“It is a new era now and we are all excited to start working hard and hopefully get a few trophies this year.”