England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is set to miss the remainder of her side’s intra-squad series in South Africa after flying home for family reasons.
The ECB said on Thursday they do not expect her to take any further part in the tour.
The trip, preparation for this summer’s Women’s T20 World Cup, was moved from Abu Dhabi to South Africa amid the conflict in the Middle East.
Sciver-Brunt had been leading Team Brittin, coached by Jon “JJ” Lewis, against vice-captain Charlie Dean’s Team Heyhoe Flint, coached by Luke Williams.
The touring party includes eight uncapped players — Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Jodi Grewcock, Grace Potts, Grace Scrivens, Alexa Stonehouse, Davina Perrin, Rhianna Southby and Ellie Threlkeld — all aiming to impress the selectors.
The Women’s T20 World Cup begins on June 12, with England facing Sri Lanka at Edgbaston, and the final scheduled for July 5 at Lord’s.
England, beaten in the 50-over World Cup semi-finals in October, have won every World Cup they have hosted — four in total.
Sciver-Brunt recently spoke about the boost a home tournament can give and England’s aim to emulate other successful home teams such as the Lionesses and the Red Roses.
“It’s a home World Cup, and the energy you get from being in front of a crowd that is really behind you is so special. It’s an addictive feeling,” she told Sky Sports News. “It’s an amazing time for women’s cricket. And over the last few years, we’ve had loads of our women’s sports teams do brilliantly well – the Lionesses and Red Roses – so hopefully we can be next in line to do something really special for the country. I’m hoping we capture the nation for the summer.”
Watch every match of the Women’s T20 World Cup in England from June 12 to July 5, live on Sky Sports Cricket. Get Sky Sports or stream contract-free with NOW.