Sciver-Brunt targets semi-final return after positive scan

Image source, PA MediaByMatthew HenryBBC Sport Journalist at Lord's

Published16 minutes ago

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is feeling "positive" and is targeting a return from injury for the T20 World Cup semi-finals, says her wife the legendary former fast bowler Katherine.

Sciver-Brunt, 33, has missed England's past two games at the T20 World Cup after a recurrence of the calf injury which ruled her out for six weeks at the start of the summer.

She will not play in England's final group match on Saturday against New Zealand but, with England having already qualified, it is hoped she could be fit for the semi-finals.

"She believes she can come into the semi and that she is OK, that is where her head is now and that is great," Katherine, who took 335 international wickets for England, told BBC Test Match Special.

"She has had another MRI, she is happy with the result and positive that it is going in the direction we like."

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England released a statement after Wednesday's win over West Indies confirming Sciver-Brunt batted in the nets earlier in the day.

The prospect of the all-rounder featuring against New Zealand on Saturday was always unlikely once that game was confirmed to be a dead rubber.

She has not played since retiring out during England's win against Ireland in their second match of the tournament.

She initially suffered a "minor" calf tear playing domestic cricket in late April and missed the series against New Zealand and India at the start of the summer.

England also said she is making good progress.

"While her calf is responding well to treatment, the England medical team feel she needs a little more time for rehabilitation before being available for selection," a statement said.

England will not know whether they play in the first semi-final on Tuesday or the second semi-final on Thursday until Sunday evening.

Tuesday's match has been arranged at 14:30 BST to suit Indian TV and India will play in that match should they qualify.

It means if England top their group, as now seems likely, they will play on Thursday if anyone but India finishes second in Group One, but be switched to Tuesday if India take second spot.

India play Bangladesh on Thursday before a crucial tie against Australia on Sunday afternoon.