England Women captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand and India due to a calf injury, raising concerns ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The 33-year-old sustained a tear in her left calf while representing The Blaze against Warwickshire on April 29. The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed that she will require an extended period of rehabilitation before returning to full fitness.
“Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of both Vitality IT20 series against New Zealand and India,” the ECB said in an official statement. The board further added: “Sciver-Brunt is still recovering from a tear in her left calf. 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.”
England Adjust Squad for T20 Series
England will begin their three-match T20I series against New Zealand on May 20 in Derby before facing India in another three-match series ahead of the World Cup. Their campaign in the tournament is scheduled to start against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12.
Danni Wyatt-Hodge will also miss the New Zealand series as she awaits the birth of her first child. England have called up Maia Bouchier and Charis Pavely as cover, while Charlie Dean will continue to captain the side, as she did during the ODI series.
Bouchier had earlier featured in the ODI squad as cover for Sciver-Brunt and top-scored with 59 in the opening match in Durham. She was also part of the XI in the second ODI in Northampton before making way for Jodi Grewcock in the final game in Cardiff.
Pavely, who was initially drafted in as cover for Alice Capsey during the ODI series, has been in strong form in the ECB Women’s One-Day Cup, registering two centuries and three half-centuries in her first eight matches of the season.
Injury Concerns Across Squad
England’s preparations have been affected by multiple injury setbacks. Mahika Gaur and Em Arlott were ruled out of the ODI series with a foot fracture and concussion respectively, while Issy Wong missed the ODIs due to a hamstring injury but is available for selection for the T20Is.
Sciver-Brunt has also dealt with injury challenges in recent times, having not bowled during the previous summer while recovering from an Achilles issue before returning as an allrounder at the ODI World Cup.
Dunkley Backs Captain’s Return
Sophia Dunkley, who returns for the T20I series after managing a knee problem, expressed confidence in Sciver-Brunt’s recovery ahead of 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. “To get her in the best space, a bit of time is what’s required.
“Nat’s our leader and our captain, so she’s a big part of our team, but we’ve got a really experienced T20 team at the moment and lots of different people stepping up in different positions. It’s a great opportunity for us to see what it’s like to play without her. Hopefully we can get on a roll with that and a few wins leading into the World Cup.”
Dunkley is expected to form a new opening combination in the absence of Wyatt-Hodge, potentially alongside Bouchier. She also welcomed the opportunity to play under Dean’s leadership.
“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 said. “Again, a great opportunity for her to get some games under her belt as captain and when Nat comes back, be that great supporting role for her.”
