England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has confirmed her return from injury for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa on Thursday, live on Sky Sports.
Sciver-Brunt reinjured her left calf after starring in the win over Ireland a fortnight ago and missed England’s remaining group-stage matches against Scotland, West Indies and New Zealand as a result.
Her absence has not been felt as England made it five wins from five matches as they cruised into the last four but, after batting in the nets on Wednesday morning, Sciver-Brunt will return to the XI at The Oval.
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Highlights of England against New Zealand in the Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup
“I’ve been put through my recovery paces,” Sciver-Brunt said. “I worked really hard to get myself to this position. The sports science and medicine team have too. Really, really happy to be sat here.
“We’ve tested it enough to be comfortable. What will happen out on the pitch will happen.
“I’m really happy with where I am at physically.”
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Sciver-Brunt brought up 3,000 T20I runs with a superb six over extra cover at Edgbaston
Charlie Dean has deputised as captain in England’s last three matches with Sophia Dunkley brought in to replace Sciver-Brunt at No 3 in the batting order.
Dunkley appears most likely to miss out despite top-scoring with 57 against Scotland and then putting on an unbroken 128 with Danni Wyatt-Hodge in the win over New Zealand.
“I won’t say until tomorrow (Thursday) at the toss,” Sciver-Brunt said when asked about team selection.
“Our team has been really successful and lots of different people have stood up, so someone’s going to be really disappointed.”
Sciver-Brunt plays down South Africa scars
Sciver-Brunt and the in-form Danni Wyatt-Hodge are likely to play key roles at the top of the England batting order
England face familiar World Cup foes in South Africa, with the Proteas having beaten them in their last two semi-final meetings – the 20-over version in 2023 and 50-over clash last year.
“I think the group of players that we have here are quite different to times before,” Sciver-Brunt said when asked about whether England bore mental scars from previous meetings.
“I suppose there are people that have played in all of those games – they’re a world-class team and have made it to lots of the finals in previous World Cups.
“They’re a team that are extremely competitive and one that we’ve had a great battle between in the last few years.
“We’re certainly prepared for the test against South Africa.”
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Natalie Germanos gives her opinion on South Africa’s Women’s T20 World Cup journey so far, and how their resilience and belief will take them a long way
The England captain also praised her team’s ability to respond to adverse circumstances, citing her own injury as a major hurdle they have surpassed with relative ease.
“Circumstances like me walking off with an injury doesn’t always happen – it can take a little bit of time to settle again from that,” she added.
“As a group we’ve played some brilliant cricket. We’ve shown some great composure in moments like that.
“We’ve covered a lot of the bases or situations that we might be thrown in the game.
“Everyone is prepared really well for what will be a massive game.”
Watch England vs South Africa for FREE on the Sky Sports app
Everyone can stream the second semi-final and final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup live for FREE – and without a subscription – on the Sky Sports App. All you have to do is download the latest version of the Sky Sports App onto your phone or tablet and log in.
Download the Sky Sports App on: iPhone & iPad or Android.
Hosts England face South Africa at The Oval, with coverage live on Thursday from 6pm on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix (first ball 6.30pm).
The winners will then face Australia in Sunday’s final at Lord’s. Coverage starts at 2.30pm on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix (first ball 3.30pm). Watch every ball of the Women’s T20 World Cup exclusively live on Sky Sports and NOW.
