England captain declares herself fit for Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has declared herself fit for the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa on Thursday, July 2, ending a lay-off caused by a recurring left calf injury that ruled her out of England’s last three group-stage matches at the tournament.

Sciver-Brunt first felt discomfort in the calf while unbeaten on 48 against Ireland on Tuesday, June 16, retiring hurt with England needing just nine runs to win. It was the second calf issue of her season, after an earlier tear picked up in domestic cricket in April. The setback kept her out of wins over Scotland, West Indies and New Zealand, though England cruised through regardless, finishing the group stage with five wins from five matches to reach Thursday’s semi-final at the Oval unbeaten.

Sciver-Brunt batted in the nets on Wednesday, July 1, before being passed fit to reclaim her place in the XI.

“I’ve been put through my recovery paces and worked really hard to get myself to this position,” Sciver-Brunt said, as quoted by ICC.

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Vice-captain Charlie Dean has led the side through the three-match winning stretch, with Sophia Dunkley drafted in at number three in Sciver-Brunt’s absence. Dunkley made the most of the opportunity, top-scoring with 57 against Scotland before adding an unbroken 128-run stand with Danni Wyatt-Hodge in the win over New Zealand, leaving the team management with a genuine selection call to make.

“We tested it enough to be comfortable. What will happen out on the pitch will happen. I’m really happy with where I’m at physically. I won’t say until tomorrow at the toss. Our team has been really successful and lots of different people have stood up, so someone’s going to be really disappointed,” Sciver-Brunt added.

Sciver-Brunt is set to lead England out at the Oval in Thursday’s semi-final, which gets underway at 6:30 pm local time, with the winner set to face Australia, who beat West Indies in the first semi-final, in the final at Lord’s on Sunday, July 5.