England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is facing a race against time to be fit for next month’s T20 World Cup, after being ruled out of her side’s warm-up series against New Zealand and India.
Sciver-Brunt tore her left calf while playing for the Blaze earlier this month and was subsequently ruled out of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand.
England had hoped she would be ready to return for the 20-over leg, which begins in Derby on Wednesday, but a new scan has seen her ruled out of all three games, as well as the subsequent series against India.
England Women Squad Update 👇
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 19, 2026
Our captain, Nat-Sciver-Brunt has been ruled of the India and New Zealand squads as she continues to rehab a sustained calf tear 💔
Maia Bouchier and Charis Pavely have been called up to the New Zealand series T20 squads as cover.
Danni… pic.twitter.com/thdi9AliUv
The opening fixture of the World Cup sees England hosting Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12, leaving Sciver-Brunt battling the clock.
As well as leading the side, Sciver-Brunt remains her side’s most consistently dangerous batter and also offers a medium-pace bowling option. Without her, they would be a significantly weaker prospect at a tournament where they are expected to mount a serious challenge given the home advantage.
In her absence, Charlie Dean is set to continue deputising as skipper.
“England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of both Vitality IT20 series against New Zealand and India,” the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed.
“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 said: “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.”
Another experienced head, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, will also miss the three T20s against New Zealand due the birth of her first child, with Maia Bouchier and Charis Pavely called up as cover.
