Nat Sciver-Brunt set to miss rest of England's tour in South Africa after flying home
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt returns home from South Africa tour due to family reasons amid preparations for T20 World Cup; Watch every match of the Women's T20 World Cup in England from June 12 to July 5, live on Sky Sports Cricket.
Thursday 19 March 2026 18:50, UK
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is set to miss the remainder of her side's intra-squad series in South Africa after flying home for family reasons.
The ECB stated on Thursday that they do not expect her to play any further part in the tour.
The trip had been in preparation for this summer's Women's T20 World Cup and was relocated from Abu Dhabi to South Africa amid the conflict in the Middle East.
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Sciver-Brunt had been leading Team Brittin, coached by Jon JJ Lewis, against vice-captain Charlie Dean's Team Heyhoe Flint, coached by Luke Williams.
Sciver-Brunt hit an unbeaten 41 off 24 balls in Team Brittin's nine-wicket win in Monday's opening match but, in her absence, they suffered a 10-wicket humbling in Thursday's second encounter.
Now captained by Sophia Dunkley, Team Brittin were bowled out for 70 in 14.4 overs, as Dean (3-12), Tilly Corteen-Coleman (3-15) and Mahika Gaur (3-17) each chipped in with three wickets.
Team Heyhoe Flint made light work of the modest target, Danni Wyatt-Hodge cracking six boundaries and two sixes in her 47 not out off 33 deliveries, while Tammy Beaumont hit an unbeaten 26.
The two teams face off three more times as part of the tour - on Friday, Tuesday and Thursday - as various players look to catch the eye of the England selectors ahead of the women's T20 World Cup this summer.
Eight of the travelling squad are yet to make an appearance for England, including Corteen-Coleman, Jodi Grewcock, Grace Potts, Grace Scrivens, Alexa Stonehouse, Davina Perrin, Rhianna Southby and Ellie Threlkeld.
England, who were beaten in the semi-finals of the 50-over World Cup in October, have won each of the four World Cups they have hosted.
They face Sri Lanka at Edgbaston in the opening match of the T20 World Cup on June 12, with the final at Lord's on July 5.
Sciver-Brunt recently underlined England's desire to match the home success of England's women's football team, who won the 2022 Euros as hosts, as well as the Red Roses after last year's Rugby World Cup triumph.
"It's a home World Cup, and the energy you get from being in front of a crowd that is really behind you is so special. It's an addictive feeling," Sciver-Brunt told Sky Sports News.
"It's an amazing time for women's cricket. And over the last few years, we've had loads of our women's sports teams do brilliantly well - the Lionesses and Red Roses - so hopefully we can be next in line to do something really special for the country.
"I'm hoping we capture the nation for the summer."
Watch every match of the Women's T20 World Cup in England from June 12 to July 5, live on Sky Sports Cricket. Get Sky Sports or stream contract-free with NOW.
