England captain Nat Syver-Brant ‘ready’ for World T20 – but ‘probably’ won’t bowl, says coach Charlotte Edwards | cricket news

England head coach Charlotte Edwards says captain Nat Syver-Brant is “ready to go” for the home T20 World Cup – but is unlikely to bowl.

All-rounder Syver-Brunt has yet to feature for his country this summer, missing the ODI and T20I series against New Zealand and three T20Is against India, having played for The Blaze in the One-Day Cup in April due to a calf injury.

However, the 33-year-old is now set to return as a specialist batsman at No.3 for England’s World Cup opener against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12.

Spoke with Edwards Sky Sports Half-centuries from Alice Capsey and Heather Knight helped England chase down their record T20I target of 181 and seal the series against India by six wickets.

He said of Sciver-Brunt, who scored nearly 3,000 T20 international runs in 137 matches, including 18 fifties: “It’s obviously really good for us that Nat is back in the team and hitting the ball well.

“He’s fit and ready to go. He probably won’t bowl but his batting is something he’s the best in the world.

“He wants to bat at No. 3. He has done very well there with the global franchise and that is where he wants to stay. It is important that he bats where he wants.”

Dean ‘grew as a person’ during captaincy

Off-spinning all-rounder Charlie Dean led England in Sciver-Brant’s absence, leading the team to a T20I series win after a 1-1 draw in the ODI leg and now leading the way to a 2-1 win over India.

Added the 25-year-old Edwards, who was initially not in the ODI squad before Syver-Brant’s injury: “I’ve been very impressed. How he’s dealt with everything and grown as a person.

“His performance has also increased and the confidence he has now can only benefit us as a team.

“We’re developing more leaders. Danny Gibson has done a great job, Lauren Bell is leading the bowling attack. The younger players are really stepping up in leadership roles.”

Dean, speaking in the post-match presentation, said a temporary role would be key if he was to captain again at the World Cup.

Dean added: “I think I learned a huge deal about myself. It was probably a tough challenge but I really enjoyed it.

“The girls have supported me really well and I feel in a strong place between myself and my cricket.

“Before this I was probably a bit nervous (about leading into the World Cup if needed) but at worst it will be a smooth transition.”

Watch every ball of the Women’s T20 World Cup live exclusively on Sky Sports and now June 12-July 5. The opening night (6.30pm start) is England vs Sri Lanka at Edgbaston.

England T20 World Cup Group Fixtures

All times UK and Ireland; All live on Sky Sports

• vs Sri Lanka (Friday 12 June) – Edgbaston, Birmingham (6.30pm)
• v Ireland (Tuesday 16 June) – Utilita Bowl, Southampton (6.30pm)
• v Scotland (Saturday 20 June) – Headingley, Leeds (6.30am)
• vs West Indies (Wednesday 24 June) – Lord’s, London (6.30pm)
• vs New Zealand (Saturday 27 June) – Kia Oval, London (6.30pm)