Portugal Colonial - England sweat on skipper Sciver-Brunt's fitness before T20 Women's World Cup

Sciver-Brunt tore her left calf while playing for the Blaze in domestic cricket earlier this month and was subsequently ruled out of the three-match one-day international series against New Zealand.

England had hoped she would be ready to return for T20 matches against New Zealand, with that series starting in Derby on Wednesday, but a new scan has seen her ruled out of all three games, as well as the subsequent campaign against India.

Tournament hosts England begin their T20 World Cup against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12, leaving Sciver-Brunt in a race against time to lead the side as they go in search of a first major trophy since lifting the 2017 50-over World Cup on home soil.

In addition to her leadership skills, Sciver-Brunt has long been a key player for England, both as the team's leading batter and a medium-pace bowler and they are a significantly weaker side without the 33-year-old.

Spin-bowling all-rounder Charlie Dean is set to continue deputising as skipper in her absence.

"England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of both Vitality IT20 series against New Zealand and India," said an England and Wales Cricket Board statement issued Tuesday.

"Following a scan on Monday, England Women have confirmed a longer period of rehabilitation is needed to enable Sciver-Brunt to play a full part in the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup."

Sciver-Brunt, speaking to Sky Sports News on Monday, said: "It has been frustrating to be left on the sidelines but hopefully soon I can get back out there. We have got a great leadership group that are in constant communication on and off the pitch.

"I have left it in good hands and I wanted Charlie to do things in her own way."

Another experienced campaigner, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, will also miss the three T20s against New Zealand due to the birth of her first child.

G.Teles--PC