England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt has been appointed the new captain of the national women’s team, replacing Heather Knight, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on April 29.

 

The leadership transition comes after Knight's nine-year tenure and a series of underwhelming results, including a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign and a 16-0 whitewash in the multi-format Ashes against Australia.

 

The 32-year-old Sciver-Brunt has long been viewed as the natural successor, having served as vice-captain for the past three years. A mainstay since her debut in 2013, she brings vast experience across formats with 259 appearances. Notably, she was the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year in both 2022 and 2023, and also won PCA Player of the Year twice.

 

“I’m really proud to take on the role of captain of the England Women’s team and it’s an honour to have been asked by Charlotte, someone I’ve always looked up to. Ever since I made my England debut back in 2013, all I have wanted to do is help the team in every way that I can. I will try my best to lead this team to success, whilst empowering them to be the best version of themselves,” Sciver-Brunt said.

 

Sciver-Brunt added:

 

“We have a really talented group, and we have a group that's united. It’s a team I believe in and a team that can have a lot of success together. It’s hugely exciting to be working with Charlotte, having had the pleasure of working with her in the last three years at Mumbai Indians.”

 

New era begins under Sciver-Brunt and Charlotte Edwards

 

The appointment of Sciver-Brunt comes amid a broader leadership overhaul, with England legend Charlotte Edwards also taking over as head coach earlier this month. Edwards, who coached Mumbai Indians to two WPL titles in three years, replaces Jon Lewis following England’s Ashes debacle. 

 

 

The new captain-coach duo will begin their tenure with home white-ball series against West Indies and India starting May 21, before turning focus to the ICC Women’s World Cup later this year.

 

 

Sciver-Brunt has led England on 12 occasions previously, 11 T20Is and one ODI, winning nine of them. She also captained the side during the 2022 Commonwealth Games and once stepped in mid-match during the 2024 T20 World Cup when Knight suffered a calf injury.