ENG vs IND: Nat Sciver has decided to withdraw from England vs India series as she wishes to rest and focus on her mental wellbeing. Mental health has gained the limelight in the sporting world for the past few years. Coming right out of a pandemic and playing back-to-back games for England, Sciver now wishes to rest and support a larger cause.
Nat Sciver was named captain in place of Heather Knight, as she has recently undergone hip surgery. The T20 side will be led by Amy Jones and is scheduled to begin from this Saturday onwards.
ECB is yet to finalise their ODI squad against India. “I’ve played a lot of cricket over the last nine months and I am very emotionally fatigued,” Sciver said. “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.”
Nat Sciver to take a break from cricket.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 8, 2022
The ODI games between India and England are scheduled to begin right after their three T20 games at Bristol next week. Jonathan Finch, Director of England Women’s cricket, has supported Sciver, wishing her early recovery.
ENG vs IND: England are likely to do well in the tournament
“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.”
Nat Sciver hasn’t been a very happy place in the past few months. She withdrew from her captaincy at the Hundred midway. She had another disappointing series at the Commonwealth as England’s captain, where they finished 4th. Captaincy or not, Sciver seems to be under some pressure and her decision to rest against India is absolutely justified too.
ENG vs IND T20I Series:
Sept 10, 1st T20I, Chester-le-Street
Sept 13, 2nd T20I, Derby
Sept 15, 3rd T20I, Bristol
ODI series:
Sept 18, 1st ODI, Hove
Sept 21, 2nd ODI, Canterbury
Sept 24, 3rd ODI, Lord’s
