England’s hopes of clinching the T20I series against India have taken a significant hit, with captain Nat Sciver-Brunt ruled out of the remaining two matches due to a groin injury. The star all-rounder had already missed the third T20I, and subsequent scans have confirmed that her recovery will take longer than initially anticipated.

Tammy Beaumont, who stepped in as captain for the third T20I, will continue to lead the side for the remainder of the series. Beaumont guided England to a narrow five-run win at Hove, keeping the series alive after India had taken a 2-0 lead. The fourth T20I will be played on Wednesday, 9 July, as England looks to level the series.

Sciver-Brunt’s absence leaves a big void, both in leadership and with the bat. Despite England’s 97-run thrashing in the first T20I, her 66 off 42 balls was one of the few bright spots. However, she picked up a left groin injury during the second match, where she managed just 13 runs. Notably, she didn’t bowl in the first two games, with England’s management opting to reduce her workload ahead of a busy calendar.

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Beaumont Leads as England Aim to Keep T20I Series Alive Without Sciver-Brunt

In response to her unavailability, Maia Bouchier has been drafted into the squad. England will now look to continue the momentum gained under Beaumont, who made her captaincy debut in her 247th international match.

The ODI series begins on 16 July, and Sciver-Brunt is now racing against time to be fit for that leg of the tour. England will be hoping her recovery progresses swiftly, as she remains a crucial component of their white-ball setup.

With the series now delicately poised at 2-1 in India’s favor, England’s ability to rally without their regular skipper will be put to the test. All eyes will now be on Beaumont and her side as they look to force a series decider in the fifth and final T20I.