Nat Sciver-Brunt fit to play T20 World Cup semi-final

England's chances of a triumphant home ICC Women's T20 World Cup campaign have been given a huge boost with confirmation that captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is fit to play Thursday's semi-final against South Africa.

Sciver-Brunt confirmed the news after fronting up to the team's pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon, ready to go after limping off in England's second match of the campaign against Ireland in Southampton.

The skipper trained on both Tuesday and Wednesday in the build-up to the semi-final.

The skipper said she "threw everything" at being fit for the match.

"I'm being put through my recovery paces and I've worked really hard to get myself to this position," Sciver-Brunt said.

"We literally threw everything at it.

"We used various different methods to get the recovery right...eating the right things, taking the right supplements, sitting in machines, oxygen tanks. I suppose just everything that we can do to get to this point. We've tested it enough to be comfortable and I suppose what will happen out on the pitch will happen."

England are no doubt boosted by Sciver-Brunt's return, though the side have carried on without their leader, finishing undefeated from Group 2 at the tournament under Charlie Dean, beating Scotland, West Indies and New Zealand, the latter also at The Oval to kybosh the White Ferns' tournament defence.

"I think it's been really enjoyable watching. We've had some brilliant batting partnerships," she said.

"We've obviously had some times where we've had some tricky periods and had to rebuild a little bit as a batting group. There are times where we would have wanted to be a bit more clinical in the chase. But yeah, I think as a group we've played some brilliant cricket. We've shown some great composure in moments like that."

Batter Sophia Dunkley is the player likely to give way, though the team are only expected to name their XI at the toss.

"I won't say until tomorrow at the toss, but our team has been really successful and lots of different people have stood up. Someone's going to be really disappointed tomorrow, but yeah, I suppose that just shows what a great position we are in as a side that so many different people have put their hands up," the skipper added.

England lost the 2023 T20 World Cup semi-final to South Africa, as well as a semi-final against the Proteas at last year's Cricket World Cup, thoughgo into Thursday's encounter as favourites.