England coach Charlotte Edwards says captain Nat Seaver-Brunt is ready to play in the home T20 World Cup but is unlikely to bowl.
The versatile Sciver-Brunt missed the ODI and T20I series against New Zealand and the three T20 series against India, and he suffered a calf injury while playing for The Blaze in the One-Day Cup in April, which kept him out of action for his country until this summer.
But the 33-year-old will now return to the No. 3 position as a specialist batsman for the World Cup opener against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12.
Sciver-Brunt will bat at number three during the T20 World Cup.
Edwards spoke. sky sports After half-centuries from Alice Capsey and Heather Knight, England ran out a record T20I chase of 181 on home soil to claim a six-wicket series-sealing win over India.
She said of Sciver-Brunt, who played nearly 3,000 T20 internationals in 137 matches, including 18 in the 50s. “It’s obviously really good for us to have Nat back in the team and hitting the ball well.
“She’s fine and ready to go. She probably won’t bowl, but her batting is the best in the world.”
“She wants to bat at No. 3. She’s done very well for the global franchise there and that’s where she wants to be. It’s important that she bats where she wants to.”
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The highlight of the third and final T20 was Alice Capsey and Heather Knight’s superb half-centuries to lead England to a six-wicket series-sealing win over India.
Dean ‘grows as a person’ during his tenure as captain
Off-spin all-rounder Charlie Dean led England in Sciver-Brunt’s absence and led the team to a T20I series win over New Zealand after the ODI leg was a 1-1 draw and now a come-from-behind 2-1 win over India.
Edwards added of the 25-year-old, who was not initially included in the ODI squad prior to Sciver-Brunt’s injury:
“Her performances have also gone up and the confidence she has now gained can only help us as a group.
“We are developing more and more leaders. Dani Gibson has done a great job and Lauren Bell is leading the bowling attack. The younger players are really taking on leadership roles.”
Charlie Dean said I ‘learned a lot’ about myself while captaining England in Sciver-Brunt’s absence.
In his post-match presentation, Dean said the interim manager role would be key if he were to captain the side again at the World Cup.
Dean added, “I think I learned a lot about myself. It was a bit of a challenge, but I really enjoyed it.”
“The girls supported me really well and it made me feel stronger within myself and my cricket.
“I was probably a little nervous before (about leading at the World Cup if I had to), but if the worst happens, it will be a smoother transition.”
Watch all the action from the Women’s T20 World Cup live exclusively on Sky Sports and NOW from 12 June to 5 July. England play Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on the opening night (kick-off 6.30pm).
England’s T20 World Cup group match schedule
Always UK and Ireland; It’s all live on Sky Sports
- vs Sri Lanka (Friday, June 12) – Birmingham Edgbaston (6.30pm)
- vs Ireland (Tuesday 16 June) – Utilita Bowl, Southampton (6.30pm)
- vs Scotland (Saturday 20 June) – Headingley, Leeds (6.30pm)
- vs West Indies (Wednesday 24 June) – London Lord’s (6.30pm)
- vs New Zealand (Saturday, June 27) – Kia Oval, London (6.30pm)
