England have suffered a setback in their T20I series against India, with captain Nat Sciver-Brunt ruled out of the remaining two matches due to a groin injury sustained during the second game in Bristol.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the development on Saturday, stating that Sciver-Brunt would be unable to recover in time given the short gap between fixtures.
Sciver-Brunt had already missed the third T20I at The Oval, where Tammy Beaumont took over the captaincy. Beaumont led England to a thrilling five-run win off the final ball, keeping the five-match series alive. She will now continue to lead the side in the remaining matches.
Initially brought in as cover, Maia Bouchier has officially replaced Sciver-Brunt in the squad. The ECB, via a post on X, stated: “Nat Sciver-Brunt will miss the rest of the Vitality IT20 series against India due to the injury to her left groin sustained in Bristol. Tammy Beaumont will continue as captain, and Maia Bouchier will replace her in the squad. Sciver-Brunt is expected to be fit for the start of the Metro Bank ODI series.”
England are already without former skipper Heather Knight, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Despite these absences, the team will look to clinch the series by winning the remaining two matches, scheduled for 9 and 12 July in Manchester and Birmingham, respectively. India currently leads the series 2–1.