England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand due a minor left calf tear. The ECB described the move as a “precautionary measure” and said Sciver-Brunt’s fitness would be assessed ahead of the New Zealand T20Is, which mark the start of England’s preparations for a home T20 World Cup in June.

Sciver-Brunt’s absence means vice-captain Charlie Dean is recalled to the ODI squad, having been due to miss the series as she continues to recover from a back stress fracture. Top-order batter Maia Bouchier has also been added to the squad as cover.

The injury was sustained by Sciver-Brunt when playing for The Blaze in their midweek Metro Bank Cup victory over Warwickshire. Sciver-Brunt, who scored 47 off 32 balls as well as taking 2 for 45 from seven overs, experienced discomfort after the game and scans on Saturday revealed the extent of the problem, with a period of rest prescribed.

England announced their T20 World Cup squad on Tuesday, with the players subsequently involved in a leadership programme devised by the British Army. Sciver-Brunt’s injury meant she took no part in the physical element of the programme.

England’s women have not played competitively since the ODI World Cup late last year, but travelled to South Africa for a training camp in March. They will play New Zealand in ODI and T20I series this month before also facing India in three T20Is as they look to finetune things before their opening World Cup game, against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12.

The squad has been nursing a number of injuries, with Dean easing back into competition after a back stress reaction and Sarah Glenn not considered for selection as she rehabs a broken finger – although they have been boosted by the availability of allrounders Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson after lengthy spells out.