ENG-W vs NZ-W: England's injury woes mount as Mahika Gaur ruled out of ODI series
Mahika Gaur (Source: Getty Images)
Published - 08 May 2026, 09:45 PM• Read time - 2 mins
England women’s fast bowler Mahika Gaur has been ruled out of the ODI series against New Zealand due to a foot injury, while all-rounder Alice Capsey will miss the first ODI on Sunday, May 10, due to illness. Gaur fractured her left foot during a fielding session with the England coaching staff in Durham while preparing for the series.
She last played for England in a T20I against Ireland in September 2024. Gaur also travelled to Australia along with the England team for the 2025 Ashes tour and later played for England A on the tour.
On the other hand, Capsey is recovering from a recent illness and has been ruled out of the series opener, but is expected to be available for selection after the first game.
Nat Sciver Brunt suffers calf tear
Meanwhile, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has already been ruled out of the series due to a minor left calf tear. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) rested Sciver-Brunt as a precautionary measure ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be played in England and Wales, beginning on June 12.
Her fitness will be further assessed ahead of the T20I series against New Zealand, beginning on May 20. Sciver-Brunt sustained the injury while playing for The Blaze in the ECB Women’s One Day Cup against Warwickshire.
The right-handed batter scored 47 off 32 balls and also scalped 2 for 45 from seven overs during the fixture to guide her team to a three-wicket win. However, she experienced discomfort after the game, and scans revealed the extent of the injury and she was prescribed rest.
Charus Pavely called up for 1st ODI
In her absence, vice-captain Charlie Dean will lead the side in ODIs against New Zealand, with in-form batter Maia Bouchier also called up as cover. Warwickshire's Charis Pavely has also been called up as batting cover for the first ODI.
She has been in scintillating form in the ECB Women’s One Day Cup, having scored 400 runs at an average of 100.00 and a strike rate of 113.96 with two hundreds and as many fifties.
