Sciver-Brunt confirms England return for South Africa semi-final

England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt will return for the Women's T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa at The Oval on Thursday; she admits the player she replaces will be "really disappointed"; stream the second semi-final and final for FREE via the Sky Sports App

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has confirmed her return from injury for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa on Thursday, live on Sky Sports.

Sciver-Brunt reinjured her left calf after starring in the win over Ireland a fortnight ago and missed England's remaining group-stage matches against Scotland, West Indies and New Zealand as a result.

Her absence has not been felt as England made it five wins from five matches as they cruised into the last four but, after batting in the nets on Wednesday morning, Sciver-Brunt will return to the XI at The Oval.

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"I've been put through my recovery paces," Sciver-Brunt said. "I worked really hard to get myself to this position. The sports science and medicine team have too. Really, really happy to be sat here.

"We've tested it enough to be comfortable. What will happen out on the pitch will happen.

Charlie Dean has deputised as captain in England's last three matches with Sophia Dunkley brought in to replace Sciver-Brunt at No 3 in the batting order.

Dunkley appears most likely to miss out despite top-scoring with 57 against Scotland and then putting on an unbroken 128 with Danni Wyatt-Hodge in the win over New Zealand.

"I won't say until tomorrow (Thursday) at the toss," Sciver-Brunt said when asked about team selection.

"Our team has been really successful and lots of different people have stood up, so someone's going to be really disappointed."

England face familiar World Cup foes in South Africa - with the Proteas having beaten them in their last two semi-final meetings - the 20-over version in 2023 and 50-over clash last year.

But, with Charlotte Edwards over a year into her role as head coach and a more settled team in general, Sciver-Brunt feels that her side are far better prepared for high-pressure situations this time around.

"I suppose timing is everything,' Sciver-Brunt said. "It feels now that everyone is settled into the way we're doing things and have really grown in confidence in their abilities.

"I think that has been shown on the pitch with different people choosing their moment to shine and show people what they can do.

"It's a different time to how we felt in the previous World Cup or since the last two years. As a team you go through different ups and downs as you go through tournaments. The vibes are high."

The England captain also praised her team's ability to respond to adverse circumstances, citing her own injury as a major hurdle they have surpassed with relative ease.

"Circumstances like me walking off with an injury doesn't always happen - it can take a little bit of time to settle again from that," she added.

"As a group we've played some brilliant cricket. We've shown some great composure in moments like that.

"We've covered a lot of the bases or situations that we might be thrown in the game.

"Everyone is prepared really well for what will be a massive game."

Hosts England face South Africa at The Oval, with coverage live on Thursday from 6pm on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix (first ball 6.30pm).

The winners will then face Australia in Sunday's final at Lord's. Coverage starts at 2.30pm on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix (first ball 3.30pm). Watch every ball of the Women's T20 World Cup exclusively live on Sky Sports and NOW .