Nat Sciver-Brunt Named England Women’s Captain | ECB Cricket 2025

Nat Sciver-Brunt Named England Women’s Captain, Marking a New Era in Leadership

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has officially announced Nat Sciver-Brunt as the new captain of the England Women’s cricket team across all three formats. This strategic leadership change follows Heather Knight’s decision to step down after nearly a decade at the helm. With head coach Charlotte Edwards also recently appointed, England enters a new chapter that promises bold ambition and refreshed direction ahead of a busy international calendar.

Nat Sciver-Brunt: More Than Just a Star All-Rounder

For over a decade, Nat Sciver-Brunt has been the heartbeat of England’s cricket team. Since her international debut in 2013, Sciver-Brunt has developed into one of the world’s most complete cricketers, combining technical finesse with an astute cricketing brain. Her elevation to the captaincy is not just a reward for consistency and excellence; it signals the ECB’s intent to future-proof the team with a leader grounded in modern, performance-driven cricket.

Sciver-Brunt’s record speaks volumes. She averages over 45 in both Tests and ODIs and has taken 181 international wickets across formats. Her all-round credentials are further bolstered by her recent record-breaking Women’s Premier League (WPL) season, where she amassed 523 runs the first player to cross 500 in a WPL season. She also became the tournament’s first-ever 1,000-run scorer. These feats underline why she’s currently ranked No. 3 in ICC’s ODI batting rankings.

A Natural Evolution in Leadership

Sciver-Brunt has quietly built a strong foundation as a leader over the last few years. Having served as England’s vice-captain for three seasons and taken charge during important series like the 2022 Commonwealth Games, she brings ample experience to the role. Her calm demeanor, combined with high cricketing intelligence and a genuine rapport with teammates, sets her apart.

In her statement following the announcement, Sciver-Brunt emphasized the honor of leading the side and her deep belief in the group’s potential. "All I have wanted to do is help the team in every way that I can," she said. "We have a really talented group... a team I believe in and a team that can have a lot of success together."

Working with Charlotte Edwards: A Winning Formula?

One of the more exciting aspects of Sciver-Brunt’s appointment is her working relationship with newly appointed head coach Charlotte Edwards. The duo has already tasted success together in the WPL with Mumbai Indians, and that shared experience could translate into a strong, effective leadership dynamic for England.

Edwards’ no-nonsense, results-oriented approach blends well with Sciver-Brunt’s composed and reflective style. If this partnership clicks, it could be transformational for England Women’s cricket, especially in high-stakes situations like the upcoming ICC tournaments.

Post-Ashes Reset and World Cup Vision

Sciver-Brunt steps in at a critical moment. Heather Knight’s tenure, though successful, ended following a disappointing 2025 Women’s Ashes. A new voice and approach were needed to reinvigorate the squad. With Sciver-Brunt now steering the ship and the likes of Alice Capsey, Lauren Bell, and Sophia Dunkley forming a solid core, England appear poised for a sustained push toward the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup in India.

The upcoming home summer will be the first litmus test for the new leadership duo. England host the West Indies first, starting May 21, in a limited-overs series, followed by a crucial stretch against India. These series will not only test team cohesion but also offer opportunities to establish new playing philosophies.

A Leader for the Moment and the Future

The ECB’s decision to hand over the reins to Sciver-Brunt is rooted in both current form and long-term vision. According to Clare Connor, Managing Director of England Women’s Cricket, "Nat is immensely well-respected... she’s thoughtful, resilient and driven." Her influence extends beyond runs and wickets; it’s about leading by example and elevating those around her.

This appointment isn’t merely ceremonial. It’s strategic. England is betting on a captain who not only understands the pressures of modern cricket but thrives in them. A captain who’s walked through fire including stepping away temporarily for mental health reasons in 2023 and come out stronger.

The Road Ahead

England Women have a packed calendar leading into the World Cup, and expectations will be high. But with Nat Sciver-Brunt leading from the front and a new support structure in place, the future looks promising. There will be pressure. There will be setbacks. But this new era feels built not just to compete, but to win.