Nat Sciver-Brunt targets bowling return in September ODI series after calf injury
Synopsis
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been bowling-less since April — but she is not done yet. With a structured rehab block planned after The Hundred, she is targeting a full all-round comeback for September's ODI series against Ireland, while also pushing selectors to use the fixtures to blood new talent in the 50-over format.
Key Takeaways
Nat Sciver-Brunt suffered a calf injury in April 2025 , restricting her to batting duties since.
She is targeting a bowling return for England's ODI series against Ireland in September .
A 'big block of rehab' is planned immediately after The Hundred , in collaboration with England's sports science and medical team.
Sciver-Brunt featured only as a batter during England's run to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup final , where they lost to Australia .
The captain backed selectors to use the Ireland ODIs to give emerging domestic talent a chance in the 50-over format .
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has reaffirmed her commitment to returning as a full all-rounder, confirming she plans to resume bowling duties in September's ODI series against Ireland after completing a dedicated rehabilitation block following The Hundred. The 32-year-old is currently restricted to batting for Trent Rockets as she manages a calf injury sustained in April 2025.
The Injury and Its Impact
Sciver-Brunt first suffered the calf injury in April, which forced her to operate solely as a batter during England's run to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup final, where the side ultimately fell to Australia. While the domestic tournament has provided valuable batting time, she has been unable to bowl throughout the competition.
Speaking to Sky Sports, she was candid about her recovery timeline: 'I'll have quite a big block of rehab after this tournament just to get my body right and make sure that the calf injury doesn't stick around for longer than necessary.'
All-Round Ambitions Unchanged
Despite the extended spell on the sidelines as a bowler, Sciver-Brunt was emphatic that stepping away from bowling is not an option she is entertaining. 'I do still want to bowl. I enjoy being part of the game in all three skills,' she said. 'I still have the drive, and still love playing cricket and enjoying myself out there. I don't want to give up the bowling just yet.'
Her recovery is being managed in close collaboration with England's sports science and medical staff. 'We're working with the sports science and medicine team to put together a plan as to how to keep fit and really be able to contribute to any team I'm in,' she stated.
September ODI Series: A Launchpad for New Faces
England's three-match ODI series against Ireland in September will be the side's first competitive assignment since the T20 World Cup final defeat, and Sciver-Brunt sees it as an opportunity to widen the squad's depth in the 50-over format. 'We're in the first year or so since the 50-over World Cup, so (those ODIs) could be a great chance for different people to step up,' she said.
The England skipper also pointed to the strength of the domestic pipeline, with performances in The Hundred highlighting the talent available to selectors. 'We've got some really talented batters in the domestic game and in The Hundred, so it'd be really cool to see some new faces,' she added.
What's Next
With The Hundred providing match sharpness at the crease, Sciver-Brunt's immediate priority is completing her rehabilitation programme before the Ireland series. If the calf responds well, England could have their captain back as a genuine all-rounder — a significant boost ahead of the new ODI cycle.
Point of View
Often treated as a low-stakes fixture, now carries real strategic weight: it is both a rehabilitation milestone for the captain and a genuine audition window for the next tier of England women's cricketers. How selectors use it will say as much about their planning for the next 50-over World Cup cycle as any squad announcement.
NationPress
30 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury is Nat Sciver-Brunt recovering from?
Nat Sciver-Brunt is recovering from a calf injury she sustained in April 2025. The injury has prevented her from bowling since then, limiting her to batting duties for both England and Trent Rockets in The Hundred.
When is Sciver-Brunt expected to return to bowling?
Sciver-Brunt is targeting a return to bowling for England's three-match ODI series against Ireland in September 2025. She plans to complete a dedicated rehabilitation block after The Hundred before resuming bowling.
How did the calf injury affect England's T20 World Cup campaign?
The injury forced Sciver-Brunt to play solely as a batter during England's run to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup final, where they were beaten by Australia. Her absence as a bowler was a notable tactical limitation for the side.
What did Sciver-Brunt say about her all-round future?
Sciver-Brunt was clear that giving up bowling is not an option, telling Sky Sports: 'I don't want to give up the bowling just yet.' She added that she still has 'the drive' and enjoys contributing across all three disciplines.
Why does Sciver-Brunt see the Ireland ODI series as important?
Beyond her personal comeback, Sciver-Brunt views September's ODI series against Ireland as a chance to broaden England's squad depth in the 50-over format, encouraging selectors to give emerging domestic talent an opportunity to stake their claims.
