Nat Sciver-Brunt will miss the last two matches of the women’s T20I series against India after scans confirmed a left-groin strain. England, trailing 2-1, have called up Maia Bouchier, while Tammy Beaumont stays on as stand-in skipper.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said Sciver-Brunt “is expected to be available for selection” for the three one-day internationals that follow. That reassurance is welcome, yet the all-rounder’s absence leaves a considerable hole: she struck a 42-ball 66 in the opener and remains England’s most reliable middle-order option.
Sciver-Brunt had already sat out Friday’s third game at Hove—England’s first win of the series—after picking up the injury during the second match. Initially there was quiet optimism she might recover in time for Old Trafford, but the latest scan ended that discussion.
Before the Hove fixture Beaumont admitted uncertainty. “That’s something we don’t know just yet, our medical team are doing all they can. She’s got a scan today, so we’ll know more, but I think it’s in the balance for Manchester. But, whether it’s one game or a couple, I’m just hoping to put my hand up for the team and do the best I can, and will welcome Nat back with open arms whenever she’s fit.”
Beaumont did exactly that, guiding England to a 27-run victory in her 247th international appearance and first as captain. The decision to overlook designated vice-captain Sophia Dunkley and hand Beaumont the reins was a pragmatic one—experience over hierarchy—with head coach Jon Lewis happy to keep disruption to a minimum. “Tammy’s led before in regional cricket; she knows the drill,” Lewis noted after the win.
Tactically England will feel the loss most with the bat. Sciver-Brunt was not scheduled to bowl in this series as the staff tried to manage her workload, so Bouchier’s inclusion is a straight batting swap. The Southern Vipers opener has shown form in domestic T20s, striking at over 130 this summer, yet her international returns have been modest so far. She and Dunkley may find themselves battling for the same top-order slot.
India, meanwhile, have ridden Smriti Mandhana’s century in Southampton and twin fifties from Jemimah Rodrigues and Amanjot Kaur at Canterbury to seize the early advantage. They know one more win secures the series; England must be faultless from here.
The fourth match is on Wednesday in Manchester, the fifth on Saturday in Birmingham. After that the sides shift format and venue again, starting a three-match ODI series at Chester-le-Street. England hope by then their premier all-rounder is back in harness, yet for now they must get the job done without her.
