Nat Sciver pulls out of India series to focus on mental health

Nat Sciver (PC: Twitter)

England veteran all-rounder Nat Sciver has pulled out of the white-ball series against India Women to focus on mental health and well-being. 

Three T20Is and as many ODIs are slated to take place between both teams from 10 to 24 September. 

Sciver led the Three Lionesses in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games. Further, she helped Trent Rockets to reach the finals with the contribution of 220 runs and three wickets in the Women's Hundred 2022. 

However, Sciver thinks the hectic schedule this year has drained her energy, and it's the right decision for her and the England team as well. 

"I've played a lot of cricket over the last nine months and I am very emotionally fatigued," said Sciver. 

"Elite sport demands a lot and for the moment I'm not able to perform without compromising my own wellbeing, so I need to take some time away from cricket in order to focus on myself. It's the right decision for me and it's the right decision for the team."

Amy Jones to lead England Women

In the absence of Sciver, the experienced wicket-keeper Amy Jones will lead the English team against India. 

This development has also put England in a spot of bother, with Katherine Brunt also opting to take a rest in this series. In addition, the regular captain Heather Knight will also miss the series due to a persistent hip injury. 

It is expected that the in-form top-order batter Tammy Beaumont might replace Sciver for this series. 

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