LONDON – England have received a significant boost ahead of the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup with captain Nat Sciver-Brunt declared fit to return following a calf injury that sidelined her for several weeks.
Head coach Charlotte Edwards confirmed that the experienced all-rounder is available for selection as England finalize preparations for the global tournament, although her workload is expected to be managed carefully and she is unlikely to contribute with the ball during the competition.
Sciver-Brunt suffered a calf tear while playing in the domestic Women’s One-Day Cup in April, an injury that forced her out of international action and raised concerns about her availability for the World Cup. Her recovery, however, has progressed well, allowing her to rejoin the squad ahead of the team’s final preparations.
England will play warm-up matches against Australia Women’s Cricket Team and India Women’s Cricket Team before launching their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team in Birmingham on June 12.
Speaking after England secured a 2-1 series victory over India with a six-wicket win on Tuesday, Edwards expressed confidence in her captain’s readiness for the tournament. The coach said Sciver-Brunt has returned to training in good condition and has been striking the ball impressively, providing reassurance about her fitness and form ahead of the competition.
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While England are expected to limit her bowling responsibilities, the team believes her batting will remain a major asset. Edwards indicated that Sciver-Brunt is likely to occupy the No. 3 position in the batting order, a role she has successfully performed in franchise cricket around the world.
According to the coach, the England captain has expressed a preference for batting at first drop and the management is keen to place her in the position where she feels most comfortable and can have the greatest impact on matches.
Sciver-Brunt’s return comes as England aim to build momentum for a strong World Cup challenge. One of the most accomplished players in the women’s game, she enters the tournament as England’s second-highest run-scorer in Women’s T20 Internationals, having accumulated 2,960 runs.
Her contributions have not been limited to batting. Across 137 T20 internationals, the all-rounder has also claimed 90 wickets, making her one of England’s most influential performers in the shortest format of the game.
