England Women have suffered a major setback ahead of the T20 World Cup after captain Nat Sciver-Brunt was ruled out of the upcoming warm-up series against New Zealand and India due to injury. The all-rounder is recovering from a tear in her left calf and has been advised a longer rehabilitation period as she races against time to be fit for the global tournament on home soil.
The injury, which Sciver-Brunt sustained while playing for The Blaze against Warwickshire earlier this month, has already forced her out of England’s recent ODI series against New Zealand. Her absence from the T20 assignments further disrupts England’s preparation plans, coming just weeks before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup begins in England and Wales on June 12.
Despite being ruled out of the build-up series, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that Sciver-Brunt is expected to be available for the T20 World Cup itself, provided her recovery progresses as planned. However, her availability for the opening stages of the tournament remains uncertain, with medical staff taking a cautious approach.
“England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of both Vitality IT20 series against New Zealand and India,” the ECB said in a statement. “Sciver-Brunt is still recovering from a tear in her left calf that she sustained playing for The Blaze against Warwickshire.”
“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,” the statement added.
THE CHANGES
In Sciver-Brunt’s absence, vice-captain Charlie Dean will continue to lead the side as England look to finalise their combinations ahead of the tournament. The team is currently engaged in a packed white-ball schedule, having drawn their ODI series against New Zealand 1-1 after the second match was washed out due to rain.
England will now face New Zealand in a three-match T20 series, followed by another three-match T20I series against India as part of their final preparations for the World Cup. However, the squad has also been forced into additional changes, with Danni Wyatt-Hodge ruled out of the New Zealand series due to the imminent birth of her first child.
To cover the absences, England have called up Hampshire’s Maia Bouchier and Warwickshire’s Charis Pavely. Both players are expected to be available for the opening T20I against New Zealand in Derby, providing the side with much-needed depth as they adjust their combinations in the lead-up to a crucial home World Cup campaign.
– Ends
