By Swapneel Deshpande 29 Apr 2025, 12:30 IST
Nat Sciver-Brunt has officially been named captain of the England Women’s cricket team. She will be succeeding Heather Knight after a disappointing Ashes campaign that ended in a 16-0 whitewash in Australia. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the appointment on April 29. This marks the beginning of a new chapter under the leadership of one of the most accomplished players in the modern game.
Sciver-Brunt is currently on maternity leave following the birth of her son Theodore with wife and former England cricketer Katherine Sciver-Brunt. She will resume active duty ahead of England’s upcoming home series against West Indies and India. The talented English player brings with her immense experience, having represented England 259 times across formats since her debut in 2013.
She averages 46.47 in Tests, 45.91 in ODIs, and 28.45 in T20Is, along with 181 international wickets. She has already led England in Knight’s absence and holds an impressive 9-2 win-loss record in 12 matches as captain, including fixtures at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the T20 World Cup.
The newly appointed England coach Charlotte Edwards, who previously captained Sciver-Brunt and coached her at Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), played a key role in selecting her for the captaincy role. Edwards stepped in as head coach earlier this month following Jon Lewis’s departure after the Ashes.
“I’m really proud to take on the role,” said Sciver-Brunt. “All I’ve ever wanted since my debut is to help the team succeed. I believe in this group and I’m excited to lead them with Charlotte, who has always inspired me.”
Their partnership yielded success in franchise cricket, with Edwards guiding Mumbai Indians to two WPL titles in three seasons. Sciver-Brunt topped the charts in the recent WPL edition, scoring 523 runs—well ahead of the competition—and was instrumental in Mumbai’s championship run.
Clare Connor, managing director of England Women, praised Sciver-Brunt’s appointment, highlighting her leadership qualities. “Nat’s impact goes well beyond her performances on the pitch. She’s thoughtful, resilient, and committed to bringing out the best in her teammates.”
Nat Sciver-Brunt won the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year in both 2022 and 2023, along with multiple PCA Player of the Year awards. She now leads a united England Women’s team, working closely with a trusted coaching partner. Together, they face the challenge of turning around England’s fortunes. This comes at a crucial time for international women’s cricket. Her leadership and experience will be key in this pivotal phase.
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