Sciver-Brunt passed fit for England’s semi-finalImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Sciver-Brunt scored 46 not out and 48 in her two World Cup innings before the injury ByMatthew HenryBBC Sport Journalist at The OvalPublished1 July 2026, 12:26 BSTUpdated 16 minutes agoEngland captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been passed fit to return from injury for Thursday’s T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa.Sciver-Brunt, 33, who has not played since England’s second match of the tournament against Ireland after a recurrence of her calf issue, batted in the nets again on Wednesday morning.She also trained on Tuesday at Lord’s and England have deemed her fit enough to return as her side attempts to win a World Cup for the first time since 2017.”We are confident I am fully fit,” Sciver-Brunt told BBC Test Match Special.Sciver-Brunt, who has used rare magnetic resonance therapy to help regain her fitness, is likely to replace Sophia Dunkley in England’s XI.
Batter Dunkley was seen in conversation with coach Charlotte Edwards shortly before Sciver-Brunt emerged to speak to the media.
While Sciver-Brunt batted for half an hour on Wednesday, appearing relatively free and able to come down the pitch to spinners, there are obvious risks involved.
She worked with England’s physio indoors at the start of the session but did not do any running or fielding drills outdoors.
There are less than 72 hours before Sunday’s final.
“We have tested it enough to be comfortable,” she reported. “What will happen out on the pitch will happen.”
Assuming she comes through, Sciver-Brunt’s presence for the latter stages is a significant boost to England.
She is their best batter and, though Charlie Dean has stood up successfully in her absence, their captain. Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight and Danni Wyatt-Hodge are the only players remaining from their last World Cup win.
England have lost their last two World Cup semi-finals against South Africa – at last year’s 50-over World Cup and the T20 version in 2023 – but go into Thursday’s match at The Oval as favourites, having progressed through the group stage unbeaten.
South Africa have been unconvincing at times but progressed despite losing their first match of the tournament to Australia.
