England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt faces a race against time to prove her fitness for next month’s T20 World Cup, having been definitively ruled out of all upcoming warm-up series against New Zealand and India.
The influential all-rounder sustained a torn left calf while playing for the Blaze earlier this month, an injury that initially sidelined her from the three-match ODI series against New Zealand.
Hopes that she might return for the subsequent 20-over leg, which commences in Derby on Wednesday, have been dashed following a recent scan.
This new assessment confirms she will miss all three T20 fixtures against New Zealand, as well as the subsequent series against India.
With England set to host Sri Lanka at Edgbaston for their World Cup opener on June 12, Sciver-Brunt is now battling the clock to be ready.
Her absence would be a significant blow; as captain, she is consistently the side’s most dangerous batter and also provides a crucial medium-pace bowling option.
Without her, England, who are expected to mount a serious challenge on home soil, would undoubtedly be a weaker prospect.
In her continued absence, Charlie Dean is poised to deputise as skipper.
The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed the news, stating: “England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of both Vitality IT20 series against New Zealand and India.
“Following a scan on Monday, England Women have confirmed a longer period of rehabilitation is needed to enable Sciver-Brunt to play a full part in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.”
Speaking to Sky Sports News on Monday, the 33-year-old expressed her frustration: “It has been frustrating to be left on the sidelines but hopefully soon I can get back out there.
“We have got a great leadership group that are in constant communication on and off the pitch. I have left it in good hands and I wanted Charlie to do things in her own way.”
Adding to England’s challenges, experienced batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge will also miss the three T20s against New Zealand due to the birth of her first child, with Maia Bouchier and Charis Pavely called up as cover.
