Nat Sciver-Brunt, a 2017 World Cup champion, is racing against the clock to recover from a calf injury before next week’s T20 World Cup semi-finals. After retiring from play during England’s second match, the 33-year-old has been aggressively pursuing rehabilitation.
Alongside standard treatments like ice and physiotherapy, Sciver-Brunt is utilizing Magnetic Resonance Therapy (MBST). This technique, which uses electromagnetic energy to stimulate cell regeneration, is rarely seen in women’s cricket but has been referenced by basketball star Shaquille O’Neal. The portable device is used twice daily, both at home and at the team hotel.
Physiotherapist Nick Worth, who has decades of experience with elite athletes, notes that while clinical evidence is limited, the treatment is a safe, non-drug option intended to speed up the body’s natural repair processes. Calf issues are a recurring challenge for cricketers due to the sudden physical demands of sprinting and bowling, which stress the intersection of muscle and tendon tissue.
Following an initial minor tear sustained on April 29, Sciver-Brunt managed to return for warm-up matches but felt tightness during a victory over Ireland. While the timeframe for a full return is demanding, experts suggest it remains a possibility if the muscle responds well to the ongoing intensive recovery program.
