England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has confirmed her return from injury for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa on Thursday. It will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Sciver-Brunt suffered a left calf injury after starring in the win over Ireland two weeks ago and missed England’s remaining group matches against Scotland, West Indies and New Zealand as a result.
Her absence was not felt as England advanced to the last four with five wins from five games. But after hitting the nets on Wednesday morning, Sciver-Brunt will return to the XI at The Oval.
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Highlights between New Zealand and England at the Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup
“I experienced a speed recovery,” Sciver-Brunt said. “I’ve worked really hard to get to this position, as has the sports science and medicine team, so I’m really, really happy to be in this position.
“We have tested enough to feel comfortable. What happens on the pitch will happen.
“I’m really happy with where I am physically.”
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Sciver-Brunt reached 3,000 T20I runs with a superb six-over extra cover at Edgbaston.
Charlie Dean captained England in their last three matches, with Sophia Dunkley replacing Sciver-Brunt at number three in the batting order.
Dunkley appears most likely to be left out despite top-scoring with 57 against Scotland and scoring 128 in successive runs alongside Danni Wyatt-Hodge against New Zealand.
“I won’t say anything until the toss tomorrow (Thursday),” Sciver-Brunt said when asked about team selection.
“Our team has been really successful and a lot of different people have stepped up, so some people are going to be really disappointed.”
Sciver-Brunt downplays South Africa’s wounds.
Sciver-Brunt and the capable Danni Wyatt-Hodge are likely to play key roles at the top of England’s batting order.
England face familiar World Cup foes in South Africa. The Proteas have beaten them in the last two semi-finals – the 20-over version in 2023 and the 50-over clash last year.
“I think the group of players we have here is quite different than before,” Sciver-Brunt said when asked if England had suffered mental scars from the previous meeting.
“I think there are people who have played in all those games. They are a world-class team and have reached many finals in previous World Cups.”
“They are a very competitive team and one that has put up big fights over the last few years.
“We are definitely ready for the test against South Africa.”
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Natalie Germanos gives her thoughts on South Africa’s Women’s T20 World Cup journey so far and how their resilience and faith will take them a long way.
The England captain also praised his team’s ability to respond to adverse situations, citing his own injury as a major obstacle that was overcome with relative ease.
“It doesn’t always happen that you leave with an injury. It can take a little while to get back on track,” she added.
“As a group we played some great cricket, we showed great composure in those moments.
“We covered a lot of bases and situations that could be thrown in the game.
“Everyone is really well prepared for the big game.”
Watch England vs South Africa for free on the Sky Sports app
Anyone can live stream the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup second semi-final and final for free without a subscription through the Sky Sports app. Simply download the latest version of the Sky Sports app to your phone or tablet and log in.
Download the Sky Sports app here: iPhone & iPad or android.
Hosts England face South Africa at The Oval, live coverage on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix from 6pm on Thursday (first ball 6.30pm).
The winner will face Australia in the final at Lord’s on Sunday. Coverage begins at 2.30pm on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix (first ball 3.30pm). Watch every ball of the Women’s T20 World Cup live, exclusively on Sky Sports and NOW.
