LANCASHIRE Thunder bowler Sophie Ecclestone has fractured the fifth metacarpal on her right hand and will fly home from England Women’s tour of India.

The Chester-born spinner, who learnt her craft at Alvanley Cricket Club, sustained the injury in the warm-up ahead of Monday’s second ODI.

Scans after the match revealed the extent of the injury, which will also rule her out of the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

Ecclestone joins fellow spinners Laura Marsh and Kirstie Gordon on the sidelines, although it is hoped that Marsh can return in time for the Sri Lanka leg of the trip.

A replacement for Ecclestone will be announced after the third ODI, due to take place in Mumbai on Thursday.