ENGLAND captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is facing a race against time to be fit for next month’s T20 World Cup, after being ruled out of her side’s warm-up series against New Zealand and India.

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

England had hoped she would be ready to return for the 20-over leg, which begins in Derby tomorrow, but a new scan has seen her ruled out of all three games, as well as the subsequent series against India.

The opening fixture of the World Cup sees England hosting Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12, leaving Sciver-Brunt battling the clock.

As well as leading the side, Sciver-Brunt remains her side’s most consistently dangerous batter and also offers a medium-pace bowling option. Without her, they would be a significantly weaker prospect at a tournament where they are expected to mount a serious challenge given the home advantage.

In her absence, Charlie Dean is set to continue deputising as skipper.

Speaking to Sky Sports News on Monday, the 33-year-old 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 head, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, will also miss the three T20s against New Zealand due the birth of her first child, with Maia Bouchier and Charis Pavely called up as cover.