Nat Sciver, an all-rounder for England, has made the decision to skip the upcoming white-ball series between England Women and India in order to concentrate on her mental health and welfare.
As stand-in captain in Heather Knight's absence, Nat has left Durham, the site of the first T20I on September 10, to head back home.
In a statement released by the England and Wales Cricket Board, Nat said, "I've played a lot of cricket over the last nine months and I'm very emotionally exhausted. Elite sport demands a lot, and for the moment I'm not able to perform without compromising my own wellbeing, so I need to take some time away from cricket in order to focus on myself. It's the right decision for me and it's the right decision for the team" (ECB).
A substitute player will be named in the squad prior to the second T20I at Derby, according to the ECB, who also stated that wicketkeeper-batsman Amy Jones will lead England in T20Is against India in Nat's absence.
Ben Stokes, the current Test captain of England and an all-rounder, took a hiatus from the game last year for four and a half months to focus on his mental health and recover from a left finger injury.
"We wholeheartedly agree with Nat's choice to step away from this series. Cricket is significant, but not at all when compared to someone's wellbeing and health. Our top focus is always the wellbeing of our players and staff, and we will assist Nat during this time "Director of England Women's Cricket Jonathan Finch said.