England Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt Ruled Out of NZ ODI Series 2026

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand due to a calf injury.

Injury Forces England Captain out of NZ ODI Series England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of England's forthcoming one-day international series against New Zealand with a calf injury, just over a month before they host the T20 World Cup. The 33-year-old suffered a minor tear to her left calf while playing for The Blaze against Warwickshire on 29 April. Sciver-Brunt's injury is a concern as England prepare to open their T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on 12 June at Edgbaston. ## Precautionary Withdrawal Ahead of T20 World Cup But the all-rounder's withdrawal is precautionary, and she is expected to be fully fit in time for the tournament. After scans on Saturday highlighted the problem, Sciver-Brunt will now undergo further assessment. England face six T20 matches against New Zealand and India before June's World Cup. ## Vice-Captain Charlie Dean Steps in for ODI Series Vice-captain Charlie Dean will lead the side in Sciver-Brunt's absence for the three-match ODI series, which starts in Durham on Sunday, 10 May, and includes games in Northampton (13 May) and Cardiff (16 May). Hampshire and Southern Brave batter Maia Bouchier, 27, has been called up as cover for the series.