NAT SCIVER-BRUNT has been appointed England captain, leading the side into a new era alongside head coach Charlotte Edwards, it was announced today.

Sciver-Brunt was the instant favourite to pick up the baton from long-serving skipper Heather Knight, having served as the latter’s vice-captain, and her appointment marks the first major decision of Edwards’ reign.

The all-rounder was the heartbeat of the team throughout Knight’s nine-year stint at the helm but must now find a way to lift the side after a difficult period that included a poor showing at last year’s T20 World Cup and Ashes humiliation in Australia.