England’s hopes of bouncing back in the ongoing T20I series against India have suffered a significant blow, with captain Nat Sciver-Brunt ruled out of Friday’s third match at the Kia Oval due to a groin strain.
Sciver-Brunt, who sustained the injury during England’s 24-run defeat in Bristol, is also a doubt for the last two T20Is as she awaits further scans to assess the severity of the issue. England and India will also play three ODIs from July 16.
In her absence, Tammy Beaumont will take charge of the side, marking her first time as England captain. The veteran has played 247 games across formats for England, including 106 in T20Is, but has never led the national team. Sophia Dunkley, the official vice-captain at the start of the series, had stepped in temporarily during Sciver-Brunt’s time off the field on Tuesday, but with England trailing 0-2, the selectors have turned to Beaumont's experience to steady the ship.
"It's real pride and honour to have the captain's armband tomorrow, albeit in difficult circumstances," said Beaumont. "Charlotte [Edwards, head coach] asked to meet me this morning, and straightaway I said, 'Yep, thank you very much, I'll give it a good go'. I guess we need a bit of fight to come out in this series, and I'm probably someone who likes to get in a battle, so can understand why.”
She also gave an update on Sciver-Brunt’s injury: "That's something we don't know just yet, our medical team are doing all they can," Beaumont said. "She's got a scan today, so we'll know more, but I think it's in the balance for Manchester. But, whether it's one game or a couple, I'm just hoping to put my hand up for the team and do the best I can, and will welcome Nat back with open arms whenever she's fit."
Sciver-Brunt has been managing her workload and has not bowled during this series. She was England’s standout batter in the heavy loss in the first T20I, scoring 66 off 42 balls in an otherwise dismal team total of 113. She is England's highest run-scorer since the start of 2024, making 637 runs at 39.81. She has also struck at 134 with five fifties in 22 innings.
India inflicted a heavy 97-run defeat on England in the first T20I, while Amanjot Kaur’s all-round display helped the hosts to another win earlier this week.
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