Nat Sciver-Brunt has been appointed as the new captain of the England Women’s cricket team, taking over from Heather Knight, who stepped down in March. Sciver-Brunt, 32, an accomplished all-rounder, had been vice-captain for the past three years and is a familiar face in the England squad, having made her debut in 2013. She steps into the role during a pivotal time for the team, under the leadership of new head coach Charlotte Edwards, marking a new chapter in women’s international cricket.
Expressing her pride in the appointment, Sciver-Brunt spoke of the honor of leading the team. “I’m really proud to take on the role and it’s an honour to have been asked by Charlotte, someone I’ve always looked up to. I have wanted to do everything I can to help the team,” she said. Her leadership philosophy revolves around empowering her players to be the best versions of themselves. “I will try my best to lead this team to success, while empowering them to be the best version of themselves. We have a really talented group, and we have a group that’s united. It’s a team I believe in, and a team that can have a lot of success together,” Sciver-Brunt added.
Having been a mainstay in the team for over a decade, Sciver-Brunt was always a strong contender for the captaincy, particularly after England’s challenging Ashes tour last year. Her leadership credentials were well established through her role as vice-captain to Knight, and she is widely regarded as one of the best all-rounders in the world. Ranked third in the ODI batting standings, her influence on and off the field is undeniable. Sciver-Brunt’s partnership with Charlotte Edwards, which blossomed during their time together at Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League, is expected to play a significant role in the team’s development moving forward.
Clare Connor, the managing director of England women’s cricket, expressed confidence in Sciver-Brunt’s ability to lead the team through this exciting and challenging period. “We are delighted to have appointed Nat and I know she’s excited about the honour of leading the team during an unprecedented chapter in international women’s cricket. Everyone knows what a fantastic cricketer Nat is, but her qualities extend far beyond her skills on the pitch. She’s thoughtful, resilient and driven by getting the best out of herself and everyone around her. Nat is immensely well-respected in the group, and I know she will form an exciting and fruitful partnership with Charlotte,” Connor said.
Sciver-Brunt’s appointment comes at a time when the England women’s team is poised for a busy summer of international cricket. Her first series as permanent captain will be against the West Indies, with three T20 internationals and three ODIs scheduled to take place in May. The team will then face India in June and July, before the focus shifts to the Women’s World Cup, which will begin in late September.
As Sciver-Brunt prepares to lead the team, her vision for England Women’s cricket is clear. She aims to foster an environment where each player is encouraged to realize their full potential, both as cricketers and individuals. With a strong team behind her and a clear sense of purpose, Sciver-Brunt is ready to take on the challenges of leading one of the most successful women’s cricket teams in the world. Her leadership is expected to guide the team to new heights, with both short-term success and long-term development in mind.
