England captain Sciver-Brunt out of NZ ODIs with calf tear

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand after sustaining a minor tear in her left calf muscle, raising concerns ahead of the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup on home soil.

The injury occurred on April 29 while Sciver-Brunt played for The Blaze against Warwickshire in the Women's One-Day Cup. She reported discomfort afterward and skipped physical activities during the England squad's weekend leadership program with the British Army, which focused on decision-making, resilience, and high-pressure performance. Scans on May 2 confirmed the tear, prompting her exclusion from the series starting May 10 in Chester-le-Street, with subsequent matches on May 13 in Northampton and May 16 in Cardiff.

In her absence, off-spin allrounder Charlie Dean, originally rested from the squad, will captain England. Batter Maia Bouchier has been added for reinforcement. An ECB statement announced the changes on May 3, describing the move as precautionary. Sciver-Brunt's availability for the following T20I series against New Zealand and India, as well as the World Cup, will depend on her recovery progress.

The updated ODI squad includes Dean as...