Former greats predict best is yet to come for Sciver-Brunt
A pair of cricketing greats think winning consecutive ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year awards is just the beginning for England star Nat Sciver-Brunt.
Nat Sciver-Brunt just collected her second consecutive Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award when named the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year and a couple of cricketing greats believe the England star is still on the improve, causing further pain for opposition sides in the future.
Sciver-Brunt claimed the coveted ICC award on Thursday and, with a quick look at her contributions with both bat and ball during 2023, it's easy to see why the all-rounder beat out a tough field that included Australia duo Ash Gardner and Beth Mooney and Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu for the prize.
In 18 matches across all three formats in 2023, Sciver-Brunt scored three centuries and amassed a whopping 858 runs at an imposing average of just less than 60, while also chipping in with 18 valuable wickets with her more than handy seamers that often guided her country to success.
Nat Sciver-Brunt - ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year | ICC Awards 2023
England great Nasser Hussain and Australia legend Lisa Sthalekar discussed Sciver-Brunt's last 12 months with host Sanjana Ganesan on the latest episode of 100% Cricket Podcast and the pair were amazed at just how good she continues to be in all facets of the game.
"She (Sciver-Brunt) is the standout player not only in England but also in world cricket over the last couple of years," Hussain remarked.
"With the amount of exceptional women cricketers out there at the moment, to win it (ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year award) one year is hard enough, but to win it two years running is absolutely phenomenal."
Nat Sciver-Brunt accepts Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award
Sthalaker echoed Hussain's sentiments and believes Sciver-Brunt may reach even greater heights during the twilight of her playing career as her body adjusts to the rigours of performing in the modern game.
"The scary thing is there is room for improvement," Sthalekar noted.
"Her numbers from a bowling point of view aren’t quite there simply as she has had injuries or workload management.
"If she can get a little bit stronger and cope with the amount of cricket we are starting to see these stars of the women’s game play, she is going to be an absolute havoc for all sides."
Best of Nat Sciver-Brunt | Women's T20WC 2023
All-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt starred for England at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023
One of Sciver-Brunt's and England's main goals in 2024 will be to win the ICC Women's T20 World Cup that is scheduled to take place in Bangladesh in September and October and Hussain expects the conditions in the Asian nation to suit the 31-year-old perfectly.
"With it being in Bangladesh, it is going to spin and she plays spin brilliantly," Hussain said of Sciver-Brunt’s strength against slow bowlers.
"She is a very good slog sweeper of the ball, she hits over wide mid-wicket well, she uses her feet well, she rotates strike well, so she is going to be vital and she has great experience."