Nat Sciver-Brunt Plays Down Calf Worry After Retiring Out in England’s Win Over Ireland

Nat Sciver-Brunt has downplayed concerns about her fitness after she left the field with England nine runs short of victory against Ireland.

What happened

The right-hander had reached 48 when she felt discomfort in her calf and chose to retire out as a precaution. England lost a wicket soon afterwards but still won by four wickets while chasing 119, with Charlie Dean and Dani Gibson taking them over the line.

Sciver-Brunt had only just returned to full fitness. She had picked up a calf strain playing for The Blaze in the One Day Cup in April and missed England’s white-ball series against New Zealand and India. Her form going into the World Cup was encouraging, with 57 against India in a warm-up and 46 not out against Sri Lanka.

Her explanation

She told BBC Sport that she felt a bit of tightness and did not want to push it. Her wife, Katherine Sciver-Brunt, also suggested the injury was not serious, saying her reaction showed nothing major.

Looking ahead

England still have several group matches left, and Sciver-Brunt is likely to be closely monitored before the next game against Scotland. Should she be unavailable, vice-captain Charlie Dean is expected to lead again, as she did earlier in the series.