Nat Sciver-Brunt ruled out of England’s next two T20 World Cup matches with calf injury

Nat Sciver-Brunt (Photo Source: Harry Murphy – ECB/ECB via Getty Images)

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of the team’s next two fixtures after scans confirmed she suffered another calf strain while batting against Ireland. Sciver-Brunt retired hurt on 48 during England’s four-wicket victory in Southampton after experiencing tightness in the same left calf muscle she injured while playing county cricket earlier this summer.

The all-rounder had only recently returned to action, having been cleared to feature in warm-up matches against Australia and India last week as a specialist batter. However, the recurrence of the injury has forced England to manage her workload carefully. In a statement, the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed that Sciver-Brunt will miss England’s upcoming matches against Scotland and West Indies as she continues her recovery.

“Nat will continue to be monitored and assessed by the England medical team as she undertakes her rehab while remaining in the squad,” the statement said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

England remained hopeful that captain Nat Sciver-Brunt could return for their final group-stage fixture against New Zealand Women’s at The Oval on June 27, despite being ruled out of the next two matches with a calf injury. In her absence, spin-bowling all-rounder Charlie Dean will lead the side, having previously captained England during recent bilateral series victories over New Zealand and India.

Sciver-Brunt’s absence is a major setback for England, given her impressive form at the tournament, where she has scored 94 runs without being dismissed. Sophia Dunkley, the reserve batter in the squad, is expected to replace her for England’s clash against Scotland at Headingley on June 20.

Former captain Heather Knight expressed confidence in the team’s ability to cope without Sciver-Brunt, pointing to England’s strong performances and series successes under Dean’s leadership in recent months. England will take on Scotland Women on Saturday, June 20 at Leeds, Headingley.

“We’ve been able to do things really well without Nat. I think Deano did a brilliant job stepping into Nat’s shoes,” said Knight.

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