Sciver-Brunt to Undergo Scan as Calf Injury Raises Concern for England

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt will have scans on Wednesday after pulling up with a tight calf during the win over Ireland. The injury happened in the same left leg that kept her out of action for weeks earlier this season.

Sciver-Brunt left the field with just nine runs needed to win. She later said it was “just precautionary” and she did not want to push it. But with a crucial match against Scotland coming up on Saturday, England are keeping their fingers crossed.

England were chasing 119 against Ireland. They were struggling at 35 for 3 when Sciver-Brunt joined Heather Knight. The two rebuilt the innings with a 64-run stand. Sciver-Brunt looked comfortable until she suddenly felt tightness in her calf.

She walked off. The match officials recorded it as “retired out.” Knight said there were no signs of trouble before that moment.

“Felt a bit of tightness in the same calf as before,” Knight said. “Just a bit of caution from her to get herself off the field and it’ll get assessed. Fingers crossed she’ll be okay.”

England have already shown they can win without their captain. Charlie Dean led the side well during the series against New Zealand and India. She also starred against Ireland, taking 2 for 11 and bowling 20 dot balls.

Dean is ready to step in again if needed. “I guess I’m on standby but hopefully I won’t be needed,” she said.

Knight admitted Sciver-Brunt’s absence would be a blow but said the team has adapted before. “She’s huge on our side,” Knight said. “But we’ve been able to do things really well without Nat.”

England have won both their opening games and top Group 2. They could afford to rest Sciver-Brunt against Scotland on Saturday if the scan shows any risk. But everyone is hoping the captain is fit and ready to lead from the front.

                                               

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