Natalie Sciver Brunt, often known simply as Nat Sciver Brunt, is synonymous with success, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements in women’s cricket. Born on August 20, 1992, in Tokyo, Japan, Sciver-Brunt has become one of England’s most celebrated cricketers, excelling in all game formats. From setting records to becoming a key England Women’s team player, her career is a testament to her talent, dedication, and hard work.
career statistics: Natalie Sciver Brunt
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Natalie Ruth Sciver-Brunt |
| Date of Birth | August 20, 1992 (Age: 32) |
| Place of Birth | Tokyo, Japan |
| Heritage | British |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Role in Cricket | All-rounder |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium |
| Instagram Handle | @natsciver |
| Partner | Katherine Sciver-Brunt, fellow England cricketer |
| Hobbies | Traveling, working out |
| Major Achievements | – First cricketer for England to take a hat-trick in a Women’s T20 International match – Key player in England’s 2017 World Cup-winning squad – Named one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 2018 |
Early Life and Education
Natalie Sciver Brunt’s life began far from the cricket fields of England. Born to Julia Longbottom, a British diplomat, and Richard Sciver, a business executive, she spent her early years in Japan before moving to Poland and the Netherlands. During this time, she explored various sports, including playing women’s league football in Poland and basketball in the Netherlands.
Her journey into cricket started in her teenage years, when she played for Surrey club side Stoke d’Abernon. A student of Epsom College in Surrey, Sciver-Brunt honed her cricket skills, playing in the school’s 1st XI alongside future England teammate Alice Davidson-Richards. She later pursued a sports and exercise science degree at Loughborough University, which helped shape her into the cricketer she is today.
Breakthrough in International Cricket
Natalie Sciver Brunt’s professional cricket career began earnestly when she represented Surrey at the county level, later progressing to the England Women’s Academy. Her breakthrough came during the 2013 series against Pakistan, marking her debut for the entire England side. She immediately became the first England cricketer to take a hat-trick in a Women’s Twenty20 International match against New Zealand. This remarkable achievement highlighted her all-round skills, cementing her place in England’s cricketing elite.
In 2014, Natalie Sciver Brunt earned one of the first ECB central contracts for women players, further propelling her career. Her international prowess was only growing, and in 2017, she played a pivotal role in England’s historic victory at the Women’s Cricket World Cup. Alongside Heather Knight, she set a record for the highest third-wicket partnership in Women’s World Cup history (213), solidifying her status as a key player.
Career Highlights: The Rise of Nat Sciver-Brunt
Over the years, Natalie Sciver Brunt has continued to break records. In 2018, she was named one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year for her stellar performance during the 2017 World Cup. Later that year, the International Cricket Council (ICC) named her a standout player following the Women’s World Twenty20 tournament in the West Indies.
One of her greatest strengths is her versatility. Sciver-Brunt’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball has earned her numerous accolades. In 2019, she became the first England player to score 1,000 runs in T20I cricket. She also continued representing England in several major tournaments, including the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup, where her two centuries helped propel England to success.
In 2021, she was named vice-captain of the England squad for their home series against India, and the following year, she was part of England’s squad for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Leadership and Captaincy
While Natalie Sciver Brunt’s skills with the bat and ball have earned her fame, her leadership abilities have been equally impressive. On March 7, 2021, she captained the England team for the first time in a match against New Zealand, stepping up in the absence of Heather Knight. Her leadership was further recognized in September 2022, when she captained England for their WT20I series against India before stepping down to focus on her mental health.
Personal Life: Nat Sciver and Katherine Brunt
Natalie Sciver Brunt’s personal life has garnered attention, especially her relationship with fellow cricketer Katherine Brunt. They have been together for several years. In October 2019, they announced their engagement, with their wedding initially planned for September 2020. However, the pandemic forced them to postpone their marriage. They eventually tied the knot in May 2022, and both cricketers adopted the name Sciver-Brunt professionally.
In January 2023, the pair publicly announced they would use their married name for cricket-related instances, making their union official both on and off the field. Their relationship is celebrated by fans and teammates alike, becoming one of the most cherished love stories in the cricket world.
Natalie Sciver Brunt’s Record-Breaking Performances
In 2024, Natalie Sciver Brunt added another chapter to her illustrious career, scoring the fastest century in women’s Test cricket against South Africa. She brought up her 100 off just 96 balls, a testament to her remarkable batting prowess. She ended the innings with 128 runs before being run out at the non-striker’s end. Her feat was met with widespread admiration, adding to her growing list of accomplishments.
Natalie Sciver Brunt: More Than Just a Cricketer
Beyond the cricket field, Natalie Sciver Brunt has become a role model for young athletes, especially women in sports. Her journey from a teenage cricket enthusiast to a global icon has inspired many. Sciver-Brunt continues to impact the sport and beyond, whether it’s her performance on the field or her commitment to mental health awareness.
FAQs:
- When did Natalie Sciver Brunt make her international debut?
Natalie Sciver Brunt made her debut for England during the 2013 limited-overs series against Pakistan. - What record did Nat Sciver-Brunt break in 2024?
In December 2024, Sciver-Brunt scored the fastest century in women’s Test cricket, achieving the milestone off 96 balls. - What is the ‘Natmeg’ shot?
The ‘Natmeg’ is a unique shot named after Sciver-Brunt, where she hits the ball through her legs, showcasing her innovative style of play. - Who is Nat Sciver-Brunt married to?
She is married to fellow England cricketer Katherine Brunt. The couple got married in May 2022. - What was Sciver-Brunt’s role in the 2017 Women’s World Cup?
Sciver-Brunt played a key role in England’s victory in the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup, setting several records and forming pivotal partnerships with her teammates.
Conclusion
From her first hat-trick to leading England’s cricket team, Natalie Ruth Sciver-Brunt has repeatedly shown why she is one of the brightest stars in women’s cricket. Alongside her achievements on the field, her personal life with Katherine Brunt, including their marriage and future parenthood, adds a touching narrative to her already impressive story. Nat Sciver and Katherine Brunt’s wedding marked the beginning of a new chapter, both personally and professionally, with their bond inspiring others in the world of sports.
