Nat Sciver-Brunt Withdraws from England Tour

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has flown home for family reasons and will miss the remainder of the side's intra-squad series in South Africa, the ECB confirmed. The board said on Thursday they do not expect her to rejoin the touring party.

The camp is part of England's build-up to the Women's T20 World Cup this summer. The preparatory trip was relocated 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, in matches against vice-captain Charlie Dean's Team Heyhoe Flint, coached by Luke Williams.

The touring squad includes eight uncapped players — Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Jodi Grewcock, Grace Potts, Grace Scrivens, Alexa Stonehouse, Davina Perrin, Rhianna Southby and Ellie Threlkeld — all pushing for selection ahead of the tournament.

The Women's T20 World Cup starts on June 12, with England opening against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston. The final is scheduled for July 5 at Lord's.

England, who were knocked out in the 50-over World Cup semi-finals in October, have won every World Cup they have hosted (four in total). Sciver-Brunt has spoken about the extra impetus a home tournament provides, saying the energy from a supportive crowd is "so special" and expressing hope that England can follow the success of other home teams such as the Lionesses and the Red Roses.

All matches of the Women's T20 World Cup in England will be shown live on Sky Sports Cricket. Viewers can watch via Sky Sports or stream without a contract through NOW.