England women's cricket team Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt Ruled Out of New Zealand and India T20I Series

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand women's cricket team and India women's cricket team as she continues her recovery from a calf injury.

Sciver-Brunt sustained what the England and Wales Cricket Board described as a “minor left calf tear” while representing The Blaze last month. The allrounder had already missed England’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand, and fresh scans have now confirmed that she requires an extended rehabilitation period. As a result, she will take no part in the six T20Is that serve as a major part of England’s preparation for the upcoming home T20 World Cup.

England have also been dealt another setback with opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge unavailable for the New Zealand T20Is as she awaits the birth of her first child. In response, selectors have drafted Maia Bouchier and Charis Pavely into the squad as cover. Vice-captain Charlie Dean will continue to lead the side after captaining during the ODI series against New Zealand.

Bouchier impressed during the ODI series after initially joining the squad as cover for Sciver-Brunt. She top-scored with 59 in England’s victory in Durham and retained her place for the rain-affected second ODI in Northampton. However, she later made way for Jodi Grewcock in Cardiff, where New Zealand secured a DLS-method win to level the series 1-1.

Meanwhile, Pavely has earned recognition for her outstanding domestic form in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup. The young batter has scored two centuries and three half-centuries in her first eight matches of the season. She had previously been called up as cover for Alice Capsey during the ODI series but did not feature.

England’s preparations have been disrupted further by injuries to several key players. Fast bowler Mahika Gaur has been ruled out of the ODI series with a foot fracture, while Em Arlott missed out due to concussion. Pace bowler Issy Wong, who suffered a hamstring injury during the ODI warm-up, has recovered and is available for selection for the opening T20I in Derby.

Sciver-Brunt’s latest setback adds to a difficult recent period with injuries. Last summer, she refrained from bowling entirely while managing a long-term Achilles problem, though she returned as an allrounder in time for the ODI World Cup in October.

There was, however, some positive news for England with opener Sophia Dunkley returning after missing the ODI series due to a knee issue. Speaking ahead of the T20Is in Derby, Dunkley expressed confidence that Sciver-Brunt would recover in time for the World Cup.

“Nat just needs a little bit of extra time to be in the best place possible to be ready and raring to go for the World Cup and we’re absolutely confident that she’ll be leading us out for that,” Dunkley said.

She also praised Dean’s leadership during Sciver-Brunt’s absence.

“She’s grown so much throughout her time in the England team to becoming a really great leader, connecting really well with the group and tactically really good as well,” Dunkley added. “It’s a great opportunity for her to get some games under her belt as captain.”

With Wyatt-Hodge unavailable, England are expected to experiment with new opening combinations during the New Zealand series, potentially pairing Dunkley with Bouchier at the top of the order.