Women’s World Cup T20 scare in England: Sciver-Brunt out of warm-up series

England Women 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 Sciver-Brunt suffered while playing for The Blaze against Warwickshire earlier this month has already ruled her out of England’s recent ODI series against New Zealand. Her absence from T20 duties further disrupts England’s preparation plans, which come just weeks before On June 12, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup begins in England and Wales.

Despite being ruled out of the warm-up series, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that Sciver-Brunt is expected to be available for the T20 World Cup itself, provided her recovery continues as planned. However, her availability for the opening stages of the tournament remains uncertain and the medical staff is cautious.

“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 sustained while playing for The Blaze against Warwickshire.” ECB gives Nat-Sciver Brunt injury update (screenshot from X)

“Following a scan on Monday, England Women have confirmed that a longer period of rehabilitation is required for Sciver-Brunt to play a full role in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup,” the statement added.

CHANGES

In Sciver-Brunt’s absence, vice-captain Charlie Dean will continue to lead the team as England look to finalize their pre-tournament combinations. The team is currently engaged in a busy white-ball schedule having drawn their ODI series against New Zealand 1-1 after the second match was washed out by rain.

England will now take on New Zealand in a three-match T20 series, another three-match T20I series against India followed as part of their final preparations for the World Cup. However, the team was also forced into further changes, with Danni Wyatt-Hodge ruled out of the New Zealand series due to the impending birth of her first child.

England have called up Maia Bouchier from Hampshire and Charis Pavely from Warwickshire to cover the absences. Both players are expected to be available for the opening T20I against New Zealand in Derby, giving the side much-needed depth as they fine-tune their combinations in preparation for a crucial domestic World Cup campaign.

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Published on:

19 May 2026 19:58 IST