England women's cricket captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of the upcoming one-day international series against New Zealand after sustaining a calf injury, just over a month before the team hosts the T20 World Cup.
The 33-year-old all-rounder suffered a minor tear to her left calf while playing for The Blaze against Warwickshire on 29 April. Although her withdrawal is a concern ahead of the T20 World Cup opener against Sri Lanka on 12 June at Edgbaston, sources indicate the move is precautionary and she is expected to recover in time for the tournament.
Scans on Saturday confirmed the injury, and Sciver-Brunt will now undergo further assessment. England has six T20 matches scheduled against New Zealand and India before the World Cup.
Vice-captain Charlie Dean will lead the side in Sciver-Brunt's absence for the three-match ODI series, which begins in Durham on Sunday, 10 May, followed by games in Northampton (13 May) and Cardiff (16 May). Hampshire and Southern Brave batter Maia Bouchier, 27, has been called up as cover.