Sciver-Brunt replaces Knight as England captain

Nat Sciver-Brunt, an all-rounder, has been named England’s new captain.

After nine years in the position, Heather Knight is replaced by Sciver-Brunt, 32, who is only the fourth woman to hold the position permanently since 2000.

Following a review of the humiliating 16-0 Ashes defeat earlier in the year, Knight was fired in March.

Former head coach Charlotte Edwards was appointed in his place in the wake of the departure of legendary former captain Jon Lewis.

“I’m really proud to be playing the captain, and it’s a great honor to have been asked by Charlotte, a person I’ve always admired,” said Sciver-Brunt.

“I’ve always wanted to help the team every way I can, even since I made my England debut in 2013.” I’ll do everything in my power to help this team succeed while also giving them the ability to be their best selves.

“We have a really talented group, and we have a group that is united,” he said. I think it’s a team that can work together and have a lot of success.

One of England’s most advanced all-format cricketers, Sciver-Brunt, was the most likely choice to succeed him, having previously served as Knight’s vice-captain.

She had previously led England in 11 T20s and one one-day internationals, with nine of those being wins, when Knight’s future remained uncertain during the Ashes.

Despite failing to implement a proper succession plan despite the considerable length of Knight’s tenure, Sciver-Brunt’s appointment also came out as inevitable given England’s lack of other leadership options.

Other potential candidates, including Sophie Ecclestone, 25, and Charlie Dean, 24, both had captaincy experience.

Although Sciver-Brunt’s record as captain is encouraging, two of the three defeats have occurred under extreme pressure, again highlighting England’s lack of structure without Knight.

When Knight suffered a hip injury during the T20 World Cup in 2024, the team’s fielding failed to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games, and the team’s fielding suffered an injury that caused them to withdraw at the group stage.

However, Sciver-Brunt might gain from the opportunity to take the lead in her own style rather than simply step into Knight’s shoes for a brief period of time, and Edwards’ partnership is likely to give her a significant boost.

The pair have collaborated for Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League, where they won the title a second time last month.

Sciver-Brunt took 12 wickets and 523 runs in 10 innings, leading the tournament in terms of runs scored.

However, her workload will be a source of concern when she assumes the captaincy as one of England’s most important batters and bowlers with the most experience.

Chief cricket correspondent Stephan Shemilt’s analysis

It would have been a shock if Nat Sciver-Brunt had been given the job, despite all the talk of Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, or even Grace Scrivens taking over as England’s captain.

The all-rounder claimed she wanted the position after being England’s best player before becoming vice-captain. There was only one candidate when Charlotte Edwards, who herself claimed she wanted a three-format regular in charge, was added to her already existing relationship.

There will be concerns about giving a crucial player more responsibilities, but Ben Stokes’ appointment as men’s captain has proven to be a masterstroke.

Perhaps more concerning is how well leadership will align with Sciver-Brunt, who retired from cricket in 2022 to concentrate on her mental health after serving as the Commonwealth Games’ captain.

Edwards will enter this area. The new coach will likely do a lot of leadership, tactics, and team culture, while Sciver-Brunt will set the standard for others on the field. Their personalities ought to work well together.

If Sciver-Brunt’s appointment for the series against West Indies was unconcerned, then the squad for the series should add more intrigue, especially with England having appointed a first-time national selector.