Nat Sciver-Brunt ruled out T20I Series (Source:@englandcricket,x.com)
In a significant development, captain and star all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series against India due to a left groin injury sustained during the second T20I in Bristol. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the news on Friday, stating that Sciver-Brunt will miss the last two matches of the five-game series.
Tammy Beaumont, who led England in the third T20I, will continue to captain the side in Sciver-Brunt’s absence. Meanwhile, Maia Bouchier has been called up as a replacement in the squad.
According to the ECB’s official statement, Sciver-Brunt is expected to recover in time to be available for selection for the upcoming ODI series against India, which begins shortly after the conclusion of the T20Is.
A Crucial Absence For England
Sciver-Brunt’s injury comes at a pivotal moment in the series, with England trailing 1-2 against India. The 32-year-old had made a significant impact in the opening match of the series, scoring a determined half-century. Her absence leaves a notable gap in England’s middle order and bowling attack, increasing the pressure on the rest of the squad as they seek to level the series.
She was seen walking off the field during the second T20I in Bristol while England were fielding.
England Bounce Back At The Oval
Despite the blow, England managed to keep their hopes alive with a narrow five-run victory in the third T20I, held at The Oval on Friday, July 4. Batting first after Beaumont won the toss, England’s opening pair, Sophia Dunkley and Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, laid a solid foundation with a commanding 137-run stand for the first wicket. However, a late batting collapse saw England finish on 171 for 9 in their 20 overs.
India’s chase was anchored by a fluent half-century from Smriti Mandhana, but the visitors fell short, managing only 166 for 5. Lauren Bell held her nerve in the final over, conceding just six runs with 12 needed, to seal a crucial win for England.
With two T20Is remaining, England will be desperate to carry the momentum from The Oval into the fourth match as they aim to square the series. India, on the other hand, still lead the series 2-1 and will look to clinch it in the next fixture before shifting focus to the three-match ODI series.
