Nat Sciver to miss India series

England Women all-rounder Nat Sciver has decided to withdraw from England Women’s Vitality IT20 Series and Royal London Series against India to focus on her mental health and wellbeing. The 30-year-old left Durham today to return home.

Amy Jones will captain throughout the Vitality IT20 series in Sciver’s absence, and a replacement player will be named in the squad ahead of the second Vitality IT20 at Derby.

Sciver said: “I’ve played a lot of cricket over the last nine months and I am very emotionally fatigued. Elite sport demands a lot and for the moment I’m not able to perform without compromising my own wellbeing, so I need to take some time away from cricket in order to focus on myself. It’s the right decision for me and it’s the right decision for the team.“

Director of England Women’s Cricket Jonathan Finch said: “We fully support Nat and her decision to step away from this series. Cricket is important, but it is wholly insignificant in the context of an individual’s health and happiness.

“The welfare of our players and staff is always our number one priority and we will support Nat throughout this period.”