Nat Sciver to become England's new vice-captain across all formats

Allrounder Sciver took on the role on a temporary basis during England’s tour of New Zealand when Shrubsole was absent with a knee injury

Nat Sciver will become England’s new vice-captain across all formats, replacing Anya Shrubsole.

Allrounder Sciver, whose importance to Heather Knight’s side has further grown since Lisa Keightley took over as head coach at the beginning of 2020, took on the role on a temporary basis during England’s tour of New Zealand when Shrubsole was absent with a knee injury.

In the final match of the T20I series between the teams, Sciver captained England for the first time, with Knight missing out through a hamstring problem. “Sign me up for some more games,” she said after a 32-run victory. “It’s been brilliant.”

Speaking ahead of that series, Knight explained how Sciver’s all-round qualities made her a perfect choice as her deputy.

“There’s no doubt that Nat’s a huge leader in the group for us,” she said. “She’s really flourished for me in the last two years; she’s someone that I go to on and off the pitch to chat things through and to get her opinions on things. She’s a real leader in the group in terms of how she goes about things and how she trains.

“The intensity she brings is outstanding, so I’m looking forward to having her by my side in New Zealand and bouncing some things off her. I hope she doesn’t change a thing because she’s already a leader in this group. In terms of the future, who knows? But it’s a great chance for her to keep developing and keep growing like she has done in the last few years.”

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Under Keightley’s stewardship, Sciver has been pushed up the batting order to No.3 in T20Is, while also being used more frequently with the ball.

Speaking to The Cricketer shortly after her appointment, Keightley praised Sciver, with whom she had previously worked in the Women’s Big Bash at Perth Scorchers.

She said: “I think Nat Sciver can be the world’s best – the No.1 allrounder in the world, I really do believe that. She’s so athletic. Her batting is continuing to improve and I know the impact that she’s had playing for the Scorchers.

“I think Nat can be a great bowler for us. She will have a big part to play for England moving forward because I think she’s a world-class player.”

She will begin her duties in England’s upcoming Test against India, which starts on June 16.