England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is in a fitness race against time for next month’s T20 World Cup, having been ruled out of series against New Zealand and India.
The 33-year-old suffered a calf tear playing for The Blaze against Warwickshire on April 29, and the ECB confirmed on Tuesday that a longer period of rehabilitation will now be needed for the injury.
England and New Zealand meet in three T20 internationals starting in Derby on May 20, ahead of further games at Canterbury (May 23) and Hove (May 25).
They will then play three T20 internationals versus India before beginning their home T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on Friday June 12.
Sciver-Brunt is now confirmed as missing all six of the contests before the World Cup.
Sciver-Brunt first injured her calf on April 29 playing for The Blaze against Warwickshire
“Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of both Vitality IT20 series against New Zealand and India,” an ECB statement read.
“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.”
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Watch highlights from the first innings of the third ODI between England and New Zealand.
England have not won the T20 World Cup since the inaugural edition on home soil in 2009 and were knocked out in the group stage at the last edition, in the UAE in 2024.
New Zealand are the reigning Women’s T20 World Cup champions, claiming a first title two years ago with a 32-run victory over South Africa in the Dubai final.
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England lose the wickets of Freya Kemp, Alice Capsey and Dani Gibson in quick succession during their third ODI with New Zealand in Cardiff.
Elsewhere, Danni Wyatt-Hodge will also miss the New Zealand series with the birth of her first child imminent, while England Women have called up Hampshire’s Maia Bouchier and Warwickshire’s Charis Pavely to the T20 squad for the New Zealand series as cover.
England vs New Zealand series results/fixtures
First ODI (Durham) – England won by one wicketSecond ODI (Northampton) – AbandonedThird ODI (Cardiff) – New Zealand won by 17 runs (DLS)First T20 (Wednesday May 20) – The Central Co-op County Ground, Derby (6.30pm)Second T20 (Saturday May 23) – The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury (2.30pm)Third T20 (Monday May 25) – The 1st Central County Ground, Hove (2.30pm)
Watch England’s first T20 international against New Zealand, in Derby, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 6pm on Wednesday (6.30pm first ball). Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with NOW.
