Why is Nat Sciver-Brunt Out of the T20I Series Against India?

London, July 5 (NationPress) England’s captain Nat Sciver-Brunt will not participate in the remaining T20I matches against India due to a left groin injury incurred in Bristol. She was unable to play in the third T20I of the series, which England clinched by five runs to keep their hopes alive in the five-match series, stemming from the same injury.

With Sciver-Brunt sidelined, Tammy Beaumont will assume leadership for the final two encounters, while India currently leads the series 2-1 after winning the first two matches.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced Maia Bouchier as the replacement for Sciver-Brunt in the squad. The board indicated that Sciver-Brunt is expected to be back for the ODI series, which begins on July 16.

“Nat Sciver-Brunt will miss the remainder of the T20I series against India due to her left groin injury sustained in Bristol,” England Cricket posted on X.

“Tammy Beaumont will continue to lead in her absence, with Maia Bouchier stepping in for Sciver-Brunt in the squad. Sciver-Brunt is anticipated to be fit for selection at the start of the ODI series,” it continued.

Sciver-Brunt captained England in the first two T20Is, both of which India won— the first by 97 runs, thanks to a century from Smriti Mandhana, and the second by 24 runs, featuring contributions of 63 from Jemimah Rodrigues and Amanjot Kaur.

Sciver-Brunt did not bowl in either match, a decision made by the team management to manage her workload. She did, however, make a solid contribution with the bat in the opening game, scoring 66 runs off 42 balls—England's only significant performance in their total of 113 all out. Still, she picked up an injury during the second match, where she could only score 13 runs.

Before the third T20I, Beaumont was queried about Sciver-Brunt’s chances to return for the last two games. She replied, “That’s something we don’t know just yet. Our medical team is doing everything they can. She’s having a scan today, so we’ll know more. It’s touch and go for Manchester. Whether she plays one or both, I just want to do my best for the team and will gladly welcome Nat back when she’s fit.”

In Sciver-Brunt’s absence, Beaumont took charge and led England to victory in the third T20I—her debut match as skipper in her 247th international appearance. Although Sophia Dunkley is the official vice-captain, Beaumont was given the role due to her vast experience at the top level.

The remaining two T20Is are scheduled for Wednesday in Manchester and Saturday in Birmingham.