Will injured Nat Sciver-Brunt feature in 2026 WT20 World Cup?
What's the story
England have suffered a major blow ahead of the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, starting June 12 in England. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of the impending WODI series against New Zealand owing to a minor left calf tear. Sciver-Brunt sustained the injury while playing for The Blaze against Warwickshire in the Women's One-Day Cup on April 29.
Leadership change
Charlie Dean to lead England in ODIs against NZ
In light of Sciver-Brunt's injury, Charlie Dean, who wasn't part of the original squad, will captain England for the ODIs against New Zealand. Maia Bouchier has been called up as batting cover. The decision was announced by the England camp on Sunday (May 3), detailing how Sciver-Brunt felt discomfort after Wednesday's match and missed a training program with the British Army team.
Injury confirmation
Sciver-Brunt's availability for India series and T20 World Cup
Scans conducted on Saturday (May 2) confirmed the tear in Sciver-Brunt's calf muscle, leading to her exclusion from the WODI series. The England camp's statement said that her availability for the upcoming India series and subsequent T20 World Cup will be determined later, depending on her recovery progress. This development comes after England Women announced their squads for various upcoming series last week.
Squads
A look at updated squads
Squad for NZ WODIs: Charlie Dean (captain), Em Arlott, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Kira Chathli, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur, Dani Gibson, Jodi Grewcock, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, and Maia Bouchier. Squad for WT20 WC: Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge.