Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of England’s upcoming three-match ODI series at home against New Zealand, which begins on May 10. The decision comes as a precaution after the England captain picked up a small tear in her left calf during a match for The Blaze against Warwickshire on Wednesday, April 29, in the One-Day Cup. With the injury requiring attention, the management has opted to keep her out of the ODI section of the tour.
In Sciver-Brunt’s absence, vice-captain Charlie Dean will take charge for the ODI matches against the Black Caps, as England prepare for the home T20 World Cup later in the season. England have also added Maia Bouchier to the squad as batting cover for the bilateral series, ensuring they have depth in the middle order while the captain recovers.
Further clarity on the situation arrived after scans carried out on Saturday, May 2, which confirmed the injury’s nature and extent. Medical advice has been to take a period of rest, with additional evaluation scheduled over the next few days. As a result, Sciver-Brunt’s participation in the subsequent T20I fixtures against New Zealand and India—matches that fall ahead of the World Cup—will be assessed in due course based on how her calf responds to treatment and rehabilitation.
