Nat Sciver-Brunt to Miss ODI Series Against New Zealand Due to Calf Injury

Injury Update and Series Schedule

Nat Sciver-Brunt, the captain of the England Women's cricket team, will be sidelined for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand due to a minor calf injury, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

The ODI series consists of three matches, commencing on May 10, with the second match on May 13 and the final game on May 16. Following the ODIs, both teams will compete in a three-match T20I series starting May 20.

Precautionary Measures and Recovery

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has stated that the decision to rest Sciver-Brunt is a precautionary measure. Her condition will be reassessed before the T20I series against New Zealand, which is part of England's preparation for the T20 World Cup scheduled for June.

The injury occurred while she was playing for The Blaze in the ECB Women's One-Day Cup against Warwickshire. Sciver-Brunt scored 47 runs off 32 balls and took 2 wickets for 45 runs in seven overs. However, she experienced discomfort post-match, and scans confirmed the injury, leading to a recommendation for rest.

Squad Adjustments

In light of Sciver-Brunt's injury, vice-captain Charlie Dean has been recalled to the ODI squad, despite initially being expected to miss the series due to a back stress fracture. Additionally, top-order batter Maia Bouchier has been added to the squad as extra cover.

Preparations for the World Cup

The England women's team has not participated in competitive matches since the previous year's ODI World Cup. They are gearing up to face New Zealand in both ODI and T20I series this month, followed by three T20Is against India, as they prepare for their World Cup opener against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12.