London, July 1 (IANS) England cricket team has been handed a big boost ahead of their crucial Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final clash against South Africa as their captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been passed fit to return from injury for Thursday’s match at Kennington Oval.

Sciver-Brunt got retired hurt during England’s clash against Ireland in Southampton. That was a recurrence of an injury she suffered while playing domestic cricket in late April, due to which the all-rounder was out of the crucial preparation series against India and New Zealand.

Skipper played both warm-up games ahead of the tournament, scoring 3 against Australia and 57 against India before scores of 46 not out and 48 against Sri Lanka and Ireland respectively at the World Cup.

“We literally threw everything at it, I’m really happy with where I am at physically. Myself and the medical team are really happy with where we’re at. Physically I’m able to take part in all of the game, so from that point of view I’m really happy,” Sciver-Brunt said in the pre-match press conference at The Oval on Wednesday, confirming her return to the playing XI.

England enters the semi-final with a perfect record, having won all five of their group matches. The return of captain Nat Sciver-Brunt makes an already strong team even better. They have posted scores of 164, 186, and 219 in the tournament, showcasing the depth of their batting lineup.

England’s greatest strength lies in their top order, led by the tournament’s top run-scorer, Danni Wyatt-Hodge. The experienced opener has scored 282 runs in five innings at an average of 94. This includes an unbeaten 89 against New Zealand at The Oval, and she has already received three Player of the Match awards.

Sciver-Brunt’s return, following a significant improvement in her calf injury after a positive MRI scan, gives England their strongest XI for the first time in three matches. Her presence also adds another quality seam-bowling option, restoring balance to the team.

–IANS

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