Sciver-Brunt replaces heather knight as England captain and promises to inspire a United, winning team.

Nat Sciver-Brunt has officially stepped up as captain of the England women’s cricket team, ushering in a new era after Heather Knight’s emotional departure in March. At 32, Sciver-Brunt takes the reins from her long-time captain and mentor with a clear vision: to lead a united, empowered, and victorious side.

“I’m really proud to take on the role and it’s an honour,” said Sciver-Brunt, who is currently on parental leave after her wife and former England fast bowler, Katherine Sciver-Brunt, gave birth. “Charlotte [Edwards] has always been someone I’ve looked up to, and I’ll try my best to lead this team to success while empowering the players to be the best version of themselves.”

Her appointment, first reported last week, comes as little surprise. A fixture in the team since 2013 and vice-captain for the past three years, Sciver-Brunt has long been England’s backbone—one of the few names that could walk into any world XI. Now, with Charlotte Edwards installed as head coach and promising a tougher regime, Sciver-Brunt becomes the first major appointment of this new leadership era.

Her credentials speak for themselves. A World Cup winner in 2017 and three-time player of the year, she boasts two Test centuries and nine in ODIs. With 181 wickets and over 5,000 runs across formats, she has reached the top of the ODI world rankings and currently sits at No. 3. More than stats, though, her leadership qualities have quietly grown—fostered not just under Knight’s watchful eye, but also through a powerful partnership with Edwards in India’s Women’s Premier League.

Edwards and Sciver-Brunt have already shared success in the WPL, where the all-rounder became the tournament’s leading run scorer and a double-title winner. The chemistry between the two is evident—on and off the field—and that bond now extends to the international stage, as England aim to rebuild after their disastrous Ashes tour last winter.

Clare Connor, managing director of England women’s cricket, voiced full confidence in the new skipper: “Everyone knows what a fantastic cricketer Nat is, but her qualities go well beyond her performance. She’s thoughtful, resilient, and relentlessly driven to improve herself and those around her. The squad respects her enormously.”

Sciver-Brunt has already filled in as acting captain 12 times, giving her a solid feel for the job’s pressures and rhythms. But now, as the permanent figurehead, her first test will be a home series against West Indies, starting with three T20s and three ODIs from 21 May. India follow in June and July with a challenging eight-match tour. Then comes the big one: the Women’s World Cup in late September.

It’s a stacked schedule and a serious challenge—but for a player who’s spent over a decade leading by example, the timing couldn’t be better.

“I believe in this team,” she said. “We have so much talent, and I know we can succeed together.”

With a new captain, a new coach, and a fresh energy pulsing through the setup, England Women are about to discover what they’re made of.