Despite recurrent calf ailments that have forced Nat Sciver-Brunt to play as a specialist batter this summer, she remains a bowler at heart. She has also intimated that she may miss England’s ODI series against Ireland next month while she continues her recovery.
Sciver-Brunt has been managing her calf all summer, missing England’s white-ball series against New Zealand and India in May, as well as three group games at the 2026 T20 World Cup.
She took a little hiatus following England’s Test defeat to India at Lord’s in the first week of the Hundred, returning on Wednesday against Welsh Fire in Cardiff.
Sciver-Brunt said her calf felt “good” after striking 37 not out off 23 balls to help Trent Rockets win by eight wickets. However, she is still managing the ailment. “It hasn’t really stopped since the World Cup,” she tells Cricinfo. “[I’m doing] just the basics, getting through the day and maintaining my conditioning and strength. There is enough to do.
Sciver-Brunt is unlikely to play in all five of the Rockets’ final games (they have two more this week due to a tight schedule) and will only appear as a batter in the Hundred this season. “I haven’t bowled in quite a long time,” she remarked. “I’ll have to leave the bowling for now, sadly.”
She has not bowled competitively since her injury in April, but she is working with England’s support staff to develop a recovery strategy. She had planned a “big block of rehab” following the Hundred, which may include missing England’s three-match ODI series against Ireland in early September.
I still want to bowl. “I appreciate being part of the game in all three skills,” she told Sky Sports. “That is the plan. After the tournament, I will undergo extensive rehab to restore my body and prevent the calf ailment from worsening.
We’re working with the sports science and medicine teams to develop a plan for how I can stay healthy and contribute to whichever squad I’m on. I still have the motivation and like playing cricket and having fun out there. “I don’t want to give up bowling just yet.”
When asked about the Ireland ODIs, Sciver-Brunt told Cricinfo, “I need to catch up with the sports science and medicine team, as well as Lottie [Charlotte Edwards, England’s head coach], after this tournament.” I’ll see how I feel, how my body is, and then we’ll move from there.”
Sciver-Brunt has pushed players on the outskirts of international selection to pitch for inclusion in the Hundred series, which will rejuvenate England’s squad for next year’s Champions Trophy.
“We’re in the first year or so since the 50-over World Cup, so [those ODIs] could be an excellent opportunity for different players to step up,” she remarked. “We’ve got some really talented batters in the domestic game and in the Hundred, so it’d be really cool to see some new faces.
“This year, there are four overseas [players per side], so I suppose that leaves a spot for a home player. This means that top domestic players will have more opportunities to showcase their abilities.
The addition of the fourth overseas team has significantly increased competition among all teams. I still want to bowl. I appreciate participating in the game with all three skills. After this tournament, I’ll have a significant amount of rehab to get my body back in shape and ensure that the calf issue does not last any longer than required.
“I don’t want to give up bowling just yet.”
Sciver-Brunt received offers from other organisations before committing to the Rockets, and she stated that the possibility to stay at home in Nottingham during the Hundred played a significant role in her decision.
After becoming a mother last year, she is now coached by her wife, Katherine Sciver-Brunt, who is one of Chris Read’s coaches at Rockets. It’s one of the reasons why I enjoy playing for the Rockets.
Katherine and I have clearly experienced a significant transformation. Staying at home is a luxury that we don’t get very frequently, especially during cricket season, which runs all year. We prioritise spending quality time with our son, Theo.
It’s been fantastic,” she added of Katherine’s participation on the coaching staff. “She certainly has a lot of expertise and understanding about the game, but the best part is that she has experienced it herself, so she understands how it feels to be out there and under pressure in various situations. She’s sharing as much information as people desire while having a great time.”
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