London: Hosts England have received a huge boost ahead of their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against South Africa.
The England captain suffered a persistent left leg cramp while batting during the second group-stage match of the 12-team tournament against Ireland last month.
Sciver-Brunt subsequently underwent scans and, following further assessment by the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) medical team, was initially deemed unavailable for the two matches against Scotland and the West Indies, played on 20 and 24 June.
But the 33-year-old missed three subsequent matches, including the last group-stage game against New Zealand, with vice-captain Charlie Dean leading the charge in his absence and ensuring the hosts remained unbeaten.
However, in a big relief for the host nation, who face South Africa in the second semi-final of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at The Oval on Thursday, the England captain told a pre-match press conference that she was “physically fit” to take part in the high-stakes game.
“We really threw everything at it. I’m very happy with where I am physically,” Skiver-Friend said in the pre-match press conference.
“We and the medical team are very happy where we are. Physically I’m able to participate in every game, so I’m very happy from that point of view,” he added.
Notably, England captain Skiver-Brunt did not reveal who would replace him in the semi-final, but admitted he would be disappointed to see someone sacrifice their position for the big game, before paying tribute to their top order for maintaining consistency in his absence.