England's captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is racing against time to recover from a calf injury ahead of the T20 World Cup semi-finals next week. The 33-year-old player retired during England's second match of the tournament and is currently undergoing rehabilitation.
Sciver-Brunt has been utilizing various recovery methods, including ice, compression, physiotherapy, and oxygen therapy. Additionally, she is undergoing Magnetic Resonance Therapy, a treatment not previously used by the England women's cricket team. This therapy employs electromagnetic energy to promote cell healing and is typically used for conditions like arthritis.
Sciver-Brunt has been using the machine twice daily at home and at the team hotel.
Her wife, Katherine, a former England teammate, noted that Sciver-Brunt has been focused on her recovery, stating, "I’ve not seen much of her to be honest because she’s been off doing everything possible." Nick Worth, a sports physiotherapist with 30 years of experience, explained that while evidence for the therapy's effectiveness is limited,
it is considered a safe option that can promote natural healing without medication.
He emphasized the importance of allowing time for the muscle to repair properly.
Sciver-Brunt first injured her calf on April 29, suffering a minor tear while playing in domestic cricket. She missed subsequent series against New Zealand and India but returned for warm-up matches. However, she reported tightness during a match against Ireland and has not played since.
England's semi-final match is scheduled for either Tuesday or Thursday next week, depending on other results.
Worth acknowledged the challenges of calf injuries in cricket, highlighting the need for a careful balance in rehabilitation. He noted that calf injuries are common among cricketers, particularly due to the unique demands of the sport, such as sprinting from a standing start and the mechanics of bowling.
The recovery process requires a delicate approach to ensure that the muscle is adequately strengthened without risking further injury.
