Sciver-Brunt ruled out of England's next two World Cup group matches

Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of England's next T20 World Cup group-stage fixtures after scans confirmed she had suffered another calf strain while batting against Ireland on Tuesday night.

Sciver-Brunt retired her innings on 48 in England's four-wicket win over Ireland in Southampton after she experienced tightness in the same left calf muscle that she strained while playing county cricket earlier this summer. She was cleared to return in time for warm-up matches against Australia and India last week, but only as a specialist batter.

Sciver-Brunt would be "unavailable" for their next two games against Scotland and West Indies, the ECB said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. The statement stated that Nat would "continue to be monitored and assessed by the England medical team as she undertakes her rehabilitation while remaining in the squad."

That window of opportunity allows Sciver-Brunt to return for England's final group match against New Zealand on June 27 at The Oval. As she did in recent bilateral series against India and New Zealand, spin bowler Charlie Dean will lead England in her absence.

Sciver-Brunt has made 94 runs without being dismissed at the T20 World Cup and her absence will be a significant blow for England. Sophia Dunkley is the spare batter in their squad and will likely replace her for their fixture against Scotland at Headingley on June 20.

On Tuesday night, Sciver-Brunt's predecessor as captain Heather Knight stated that England's recent series victories under Dean's leadership would inspire confidence. "We've been able to do things really well without Nat," Knight said. "I think Deano did a brilliant job stepping into Nat's shoes."

Sciver-Brunt originally injured her calf playing domestic cricket in late April, keeping her out of action for all of England's international matches until last week's World Cup warm-up games. Having scored a half-century in the second of those, against India, she made 46 not out in the tournament opener against Sri Lanka on Friday.