England all-rounder Paige Scholfield has been sidelined from the upcoming three-match T20I series in South Africa due to an ankle injury sustained during training. The injury, which occurred on Tuesday, was further evaluated on Wednesday morning, leading to her withdrawal from the squad.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed her return to the United Kingdom for rehabilitation.
"Paige Scholfield has been withdrawn from the England Women T20 squad to tour South Africa after suffering an ankle injury," England Cricket posted on 'X'.
Paige Scholfield, a 27-year-old all-rounder, was a surprising pick for England’s T20I squad, chosen ahead of Alice Capsey after the team’s disappointing group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup in October. Scholfield, who debuted internationally in September against Ireland in both ODIs and T20Is, also played for the Oval Invincibles in The Hundred.
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Alice Capsey, initially left out of the squad, was recalled on Monday to address "minor injury concerns" within the team. With Scholfield now ruled out due to injury, Capsey’s return seems perfectly timed as England gears up for the first of three T20Is on Sunday.
This tour, which includes three ODIs and a four-day Test, is a crucial opportunity for England to bounce back from their World Cup disappointment. The T20I series kicks off on Sunday in East London, followed by matches in Benoni on November 27 and Centurion on November 30.
The ODI series begins with a day-night game in Kimberley on December 4, with additional matches in Durban on December 8 and Potchefstroom on December 11. The tour concludes with a solitary Test in Bloemfontein starting December 15, offering both sides a chance to cap off the series on a strong note.
