Despite having to play as a specialised batsman this summer due to ongoing calf problems, Nat Sciver-Brunt still has aspirations as a bowler. As she continues her recuperation, she has also hinted that she would miss England’s ODI series against Ireland next month.
Sciver-Brunt missed three group matches at the 2026 T20 World Cup and England’s white-ball series against New Zealand and India in May due to her calf. She returned on Wednesday in Cardiff against Welsh Fire after taking a little hiatus immediately following England’s Test loss to India at Lord’s during the first week of the Hundred.
Sciver-Brunt reported that her calf felt “good” after striking 37 not out off 23 balls to help Trent Rockets win by eight wickets, although she is still managing the ailment. “It hasn’t really stopped since the World Cup,” she said to Cricinfo. “As the day goes on, I’m doing minor things to make sure my strength and conditioning are still up there. There’s a lot to do.
Sciver-Brunt will only appear as a batter in the Hundred this year and is unlikely to participate in all five of the Rockets’ final games—they have two more games this week due to a busy schedule. “I haven’t bowled in quite a long time,” she remarked. “I’ll have to leave the bowling for now, sadly.”
Since her initial injury in April, she has not bowled competitively, but she is collaborating with England’s support staff to develop a recovery strategy. Following the Hundred, she has scheduled a “big block of rehab” that may include missing England’s three-match ODI series against Ireland in early September.
I still want to bowl. “That is the aim,” she said to Sky Sports. “I like being a part of the game in all three skills. After this competition, I’ll have a lengthy period of rehabilitation to get my body in shape and prevent the calf injury from lasting longer than required.
We’re collaborating with the sports science and medical staff to develop a strategy for staying in shape so that I can truly contribute to whichever team I play on. I still enjoy playing cricket and having fun outside, and I still have the drive. I’m not ready to give up bowling just yet.”
Sciver-Brunt said Cricinfo, when asked particularly about the Ireland ODIs, “I need to catch up with the sports science and medicine team, and Lottie [Charlotte Edwards, England’s head coach] as well, post this tournament.” We’ll proceed when I assess my physical condition.
Sciver-Brunt urged players on the outside of international selection to make their case for inclusion over the next three weeks in the Hundred. The series will give England a chance to replenish their roster ahead of the Champions Trophy next year.
“Those ODIs could be a great opportunity for different people to step up because we’re in the first year or so since the 50-over World Cup,” she stated. “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. “There are four foreign players on each squad this year, so I suppose that leaves room for a homegrown player. However, it does imply that the top domestic players will compete and have opportunities to showcase their skills. This competition has become quite tough among the teams due to the fourth overseas.
I still want to bowl. I like using all three of my skills in the game. After this tournament, I’ll have a lengthy period of rehabilitation to get my body in shape and ensure that my calf issue doesn’t worsen. I’m not ready to give up bowling just yet.”
Before committing to the Rockets, Sciver-Brunt had offers from other teams. She stated that the chance to remain in Nottingham during the Hundred played a significant role in her choice.
With Katherine Sciver-Brunt joining Rockets as one of Chris Read’s coaches, she is in the unique position of having her wife coach her this year after becoming a mother last year.
I enjoy playing for the Rockets in part because of this. It’s clear that Katherine and I have experienced a significant shift. We don’t typically have the luxury of staying at home throughout the year-round cricket season. Spending time with their kid, Theo, is also very important to us. Regarding Katherine’s involvement in the coaching staff, she remarked, “It’s been really good.”
“She is clearly very knowledgeable about the game and has a lot of experience, but the best part is that she has been there herself, so she understands what it’s like to be under pressure in certain scenarios. She is having a great time and imparting as much knowledge as people desire.”
