Nat Sciver-Brunt

Born in Tokyo to diplomat mother Julia and business executive father Richard, Nat Sciver-Brunt first played cricket while growing up in the Netherlands. A genuine allrounder, she was first called up by England for their home series against Pakistan in July 2013 on the back of impressive performances for Surrey in the County Championship and grabbed her chance, taking 3 for 28 and claiming Player-of-the-Match honours, in only her second ODI.

Three months later, in a tri-series match against New Zealand in Bridgetown, she became the first English cricketer, male or female, to take a hat-trick in a T20I with her skiddy, accurate medium pace. She also established herself as a key middle-order anchor for England during the 2013 Ashes, averaging 100.00 with the bat. On Test debut in Australia the following year, her 58-run partnership with Arran Brindle rescued her side's first innings in Perth and while she fell one run short of a half-century, England won the match.

Sciver-Brunt tasted World Cup success in 2017, scoring two centuries along the way and fifty in the final. Five years later, she struck twin centuries in a losing causes against Australia, including an unbeaten 148 in the title decider.

Having signed for Melbourne Stars for the inaugural WBBL, she solidified her reputation as a big hitter by becoming the first woman to hit a six in the competition. Her status as one of the most sought-after franchise players in the world was confirmed when she secured the joint-highest price tag for an overseas player in the inaugural WPL auction.

When Heather Knight lost the England captaincy following a 16-0 thrashing in the 2024 Ashes, Sciver-Brunt's experience and playing record made her an obvious successor. By then, Sciver-Brunt had become a mother to son Theo with wife and former team-mate Katherine. An Achilles injury meant entering the 2025 World Cup having not bowled for eight months and with England eagerly awaiting her comeback as an allrounder.