Sophie Ecclestone, England's leading spinner, has expressed her readiness to move beyond the controversy surrounding her refusal to interview with Alex Hartley during the Women's Ashes. The incident, which occurred amidst England's challenging series, has been a learning curve for both players.

In a recent interview with BBC Sport, Ecclestone shared, "It is in the past now. We have got a really exciting summer this year and I am really excited to get back with England and playing West Indies and India again." This statement comes after a period of reflection and growth for the cricketer, who is currently at the top of the T20 and one-day international bowling rankings.

The controversy stemmed from comments made by Hartley regarding the fitness levels of England's players following their early exit from the T20 World Cup last year. Ecclestone's refusal to engage in the interview was seen as a stand against the criticism, but both players have since expressed mutual respect and a desire to move forward.

Clare Connor, the managing director of England women's cricket, has labeled the episode as "an unfortunate incident that won't happen again," highlighting the importance of unity and professionalism within the team.

As England prepares for the upcoming season, the focus is on building a strong team dynamic and improving performance on the field. With the leadership of Charlotte Edwards, the team is gearing up for a competitive summer, aiming to secure victories and enhance their standings in international cricket.

Ecclestone, who has served as vice-captain, also touched upon the captaincy role, stating, "I feel like I would love to do it in the future but I am not sure now is the right time." Her focus remains on personal development and contributing to the team's success.

As the cricket community looks forward to the new season, the lessons learned from past controversies are shaping a more resilient and focused England Women's Cricket Team.