Tearful Katherine Brunt unsure of England future after missing out on medal

A tearful Katherine Brunt is unsure about continuing her record-breaking England career after they signed off from the Commonwealth Games without a consolatory bronze medal.

With a narrow semi-final defeat to India still fresh in the memory, England seemed unable to rouse themselves to face New Zealand and limped to 110 for nine in their third-place play-off at Edgbaston.

New Zealand captain Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates put England’s total in a harsh light with a 54-run stand in 4.3 overs before the White Ferns cruised to an eight-wicket win with 49 balls to spare.

Brunt finished with nought for 23, including having to bowl a nine-ball over at one stage, which would represent an unflattering end for England’s leading wicket-taker in one-day and T20 internationals.

But when asked whether she will end an England career that started in August 2004, the 37-year-old said while wiping away tears: “I don’t know. I need to reflect.

“I’ve got to get up in two days and play (for Trent Rockets) in The Hundred, which is savage. But that’s life and sport. I need to reflect on that bit and see where I’m at and what my next goal is.”

England had beaten New Zealand in 19 of their previous 21 T20s, including in the group stage three days earlier, but the tables were emphatically turned in a match that spanned less than two and a half hours.

Barely 12 hours after their gold medal hopes were ended by Australia, New Zealand were disciplined in the field and only England captain Nat Sciver showed any sign of impetus in her 27 from 19 deliveries.

She had her middle and off-stumps uprooted by opposite number Devine, who followed up figures of two for 11 in three overs with an unbeaten 51 from 40 balls, fittingly sealing the first women’s