Nat Sciver-Brunt ruled out of T20 series vs New Zealand and India

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of all upcoming T20 International series against New Zealand and India as she recovers from a calf tear, casting doubt on her availability for next month's T20 World Cup on home soil. The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed the news, stating a longer period of rehabilitation is required.

The influential all-rounder sustained the injury to her left calf while playing for her domestic side, The Blaze, against Warwickshire on April 29. The injury initially sidelined her from the recently concluded one-day international series against New Zealand. A scan on Monday confirmed she will not be fit in time for the T20 leg of the tour, which begins in Derby on Wednesday, or for the subsequent series against India.

With England's World Cup campaign set to open against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12, Sciver-Brunt now faces a tight timeline to regain fitness. Her absence represents a significant challenge for the host nation, as she is the team's captain, leading batter, and a key medium-pace bowler. In a statement, the ECB said the extended rehab is needed to enable Sciver-Brunt to play a full part in the global tournament.