Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of England's next T20 World Cup group-stage fixtures after scans confirmed she had suffered another calf strain while batting against Ireland on Tuesday night.
Sciver-Brunt retired her innings on 48 in England's four-wicket win over Ireland in Southampton after she experienced tightness in the same left calf muscle that she strained while playing county cricket earlier this summer. She was cleared to return in time for warm-up matches against Australia and India last week, but only as a specialist batter.
The ECB said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon that Sciver-Brunt would be "unavailable" for their next two fixtures against Scotland and West Indies. "Nat will continue to be monitored and assessed by the England medical team as she undertakes her rehab while remaining in the squad," the statement said.
That timeframe leaves open the possibility that Sciver-Brunt could return for England's final group fixture against New Zealand at The Oval on June 27. In her absence, spin-bowling allrounder Charlie Dean will lead England, as she did in recent bilateral series against New Zealand and India.
Sciver-Brunt has made 94 runs without being dismissed at the T20 World Cup and her absence will be a significant blow for England. Sophia Dunkley is the spare batter in their squad and will likely replace her for their fixture against Scotland at Headingley on June 20.
Heather Knight, Sciver-Brunt's predecessor as captain, said on Tuesday night that England would take confidence from their performances under Dean's leadership in their recent series wins. "We've been able to do things really well without Nat," Knight said. "I think Deano did a brilliant job stepping into Nat's shoes."
