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Sciver-Brunt: England backs player choice on social media at T20 World Cup

BBC Sport •
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England's women's cricket team has reversed its 2017 social media stance ahead of the T20 World Cup, with captain Nat Sciver-Brunt confirming no team-wide ban will be enforced. The approach contrasts sharply with their previous campaign where players largely abandoned platforms, reflecting how integral social media has become for modern athletes both personally and professionally.

ECB provides monitoring support through independent tech companies, filtering harmful comments and blocking problematic content from player feeds. Sciver-Brunt, speaking at a London billboard launch featuring her image alongside Sophia Dunkley and Lauren Bell, emphasized individual choice while acknowledging the mental challenges of online scrutiny. The 33-year-old missed England's international summer recovering from a calf injury but expects to feature against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston.

England enters the tournament in strong form after defeating India by chasing 181 at Taunton and previously overcoming defending champions New Zealand. Head coach Charlotte Edwards confirmed Sciver-Brunt will return at number three in the batting order, though her bowling duties remain uncertain with Dani Gibson and Freya Kemp covering all-rounder roles. The captain praised stand-in skipper Charlie Dean's leadership during her absence.

Alice Capsey's match-winning 81 against India virtually secures her place, while Heather Knight's return to form creates selection pressure on opener Sophia Dunkley. Sciver-Brunt's specialist batter role appears likely for most matches, with bowling decisions deferred until later in the tournament.