Sophie Ecclestone joins England's all-time greats in list of most wickets in Women's World Cup

Most wickets for England Women in Women's World Cup [Source: @englandcricket/X.com]

England have always been one of the most successful teams in Women's World Cup history. In 2025, a new star in Sophie Ecclestone emerged and scripted history.

She took a 3-wicket-haul in the 2025 Women’s World Cup game against Bangladesh Women and entered an elite list featuring legends.

On that note, here’s a list of the most wickets taken for England Women in Women’s World Cup history.

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5. Sophie Ecclestone - 26 wickets

5. Sophie Ecclestone - 26 wickets [Source: @englandcricket/X.com]

The only active player on this list, Sophie Ecclestone, is already closing in on history. The world’s top-ranked spinner, Ecclestone, has taken 26 wickets in Women’s World Cups so far, and she’s only just getting started. 

After her 3-wicket-haul against Bangladesh, Ecclestone has further risen up the ranks, and if she continues with this form, she can overtake some of the other legends who feature in this list.

4. Kate Sciver-Brunt and Karen Smithies – 29 wickets

4. Kate Sciver-Brunt and Karen Smithies – 29 wickets [Source: @TheBarmyArmy, @ICC/X.com]

Tied in fourth place are two outstanding players from different generations, Kate Sciver-Brunt and Karen Smithies. Brunt, one of England’s fiercest competitors, had been the backbone of the team’s bowling attack for years.

Smithies, however, was a member of England's World Cup-winning team in 1993 and left her mark with clever bowling and calm presence under pressure. Both players have taken 29 wickets, leaving a long-lasting legacy for English cricket.

3. Anya Shrubsole - 34 wickets

3. Anya Shrubsole - 34 wickets [Source: @SomersetCCC/X.com]

The hero of the 2017 Women’s World Cup final, Anya Shrubsole, holds a special place in England cricket history. Her memorable spell of 6/46 against India at Lord's assisted England in hoisting the trophy in front of a full home crowd. 

Throughout her World Cup career, Shrubsole took 34 wickets, with the combination of swing, accuracy, and big-match temperament. She motivated a generation of future cricketers and will always be remembered for dishing out one of the greatest bowling performances in World Cup history.

2. Clare Taylor - 36 wickets

2. Clare Taylor - 36 wickets [Source: @IWTKQuiz/X.com]

One wicket behind the no.1 rank holder, Clare Taylor was a relentless fast bowler who spearheaded England's pace unit in the 1990s and early 2000s. With her unmatched determination, Taylor was the first woman cricketer to play in both a Cricket World Cup and a Football World Cup, an amazing feat that speaks volumes about her adaptability. 

With 36 wickets, she is still among England's all-time greatest bowling workhorses, remembered for her stamina and fighting spirit.

1. Carole Hodges - 37 wickets

1. Carole Hodges - 37 wickets [Source: @cricketworldcup/X.com]

Right at the top is Carole Hodges, perhaps the most complete all-rounder that England has ever seen. Between 1982 and 1993, Hodges was an important asset in the team's bowling unit. Her consistency and accuracy in bowling made her a terror for the batsmen. 

Hodges not only tops the wicket charts with 37 wickets, but she also made important runs with the bat, thus making herself one of the most dominant players of her era. Her record remains solid for decades, a true reflection of her dominance in women's cricket.

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