Nat Sciver-Brunt will play for Trent Rockets in this summer’s Hundred, but she will not lead the side. The all-rounder, elevated to England captain two months ago, has decided that shedding the extra responsibility is the simplest way to keep body and mind fresh for a demanding year.
The decision means Sciver-Brunt’s third assignment as England skipper – a five-match T20I series against India starting at Trent Bridge on Saturday – will arrive without the distraction of domestic leadership. England swept West Indies 3-0 in both white-ball formats under her watch, yet a busier calendar, an ongoing Achilles problem and the arrival of baby Theo in March have prompted a rethink.
Replacement options
The Rockets have yet to name a new captain. Australian all-rounder Ash Gardner is an obvious candidate after leading Gujarat Giants in the WPL and deputising for Sydney Sixers last winter when Ellyse Perry sat out an over-rate ban. Another possibility is Grace Scrivens, the 20-year-old who captained England Under-19s and more recently led England A on their trip to Australia. Handing Scrivens the job would fast-track her leadership education, though the franchise may prefer the experience of Gardner for a short tournament.
Form and fitness
During the West Indies series Sciver-Brunt played purely as a batter while resting that troublesome Achilles. The plan is to resume full all-rounder duties in time for the fifty-over World Cup in India later this year. Even in a reduced role she still peeled off three half-centuries, including an unbeaten 55 in the Hove T20I, evidence that her batting rhythm remains intact.
Motherhood and captaincy
Team-mate Tammy Beaumont, speaking on the Powerplay podcast, could only admire how quickly Sciver-Brunt has adjusted to both motherhood and the England job.
“Nat is just a complete natural,” Beaumont said. “She’s always been great with kids and being with her own son is absolutely no different.
“She’s almost superhuman at times, just to be able to be a mother and a new England captain and perform at the level that she always has done. I think it’s just a testament to her character that she can always take anything and everything in her stride.”
India challenge
India, led by a settled core of white-ball specialists, should present a sterner examination than West Indies did. The tour is also the first for new England head coach Charlotte Edwards, installed after a chastening Ashes campaign in which Australia dominated 16-0 on points. Following the T20Is, the sides meet in three ODIs, beginning at Southampton on 16 July.
In the meantime Sciver-Brunt’s immediate task is clear: score runs against India, nurse the Achilles, enjoy life with Theo – and allow someone else to juggle field placings in the East Midlands come August.
