Australian women’s cricket captain Alyssa Healy has been ruled out of the first T20I against England with a foot infection. Alyssa Healy is suffering from pain in the same side as the injury she sustained during last year’s T20 World Cup and is a doubt for the rest of the Ashes series.
Tahlia McGrath is expected to lead Australia as they look to extend their Ashes lead to 7-0 in Sydney. The vacant top spot will likely be filled by either Grace Harris or untitled Georgia Voll. Australia have delayed announcing their squad for the day-night Test at the MCG.
Alyssa Healy ruled out of first T20I against England
Cricket Australia has revealed that Alyssa Healy has developed midfoot pain on the same side as her previous plantar fascia injury. The statement said the medical team is consulting with experts and Healy’s availability for the rest of the series will be assessed when more information becomes available.
“Alyssa developed midfoot pain on the same side as her previous plantar fascia injury following the ODI series,” Cricket Australia said in a statement. “She is currently in a boot and will not be available for tonight’s game.
“Cricket Australia’s medical team are consulting with specialists to develop an appropriate management plan over the coming days. Her availability for the rest of the series will be assessed as more information becomes available.”
Healy is not the only key player missing from Australia’s training session
Georgia Voll replaced her during the ODI series against India and scored a century in her second match and Grace Harris opened during the World Cup. The second T20I is in Canberra on Thursday and the third is in Adelaide on Saturday, before the day-night Test at the MCG begins on January 30.
Healy wasn’t the only key player missing from Australia’s training session at the SCG on Sunday. Ashleigh Gardner, who was warming up with the team, missed the field, running drills and the net session. Gardner’s fitness is key, especially after her match-winning performance in the third ODI on Friday.
Alyssa Healy is facing a difficult period with injuries
Alyssa Healy has faced a difficult period with injuries. After returning from a World Cup injury, her WBBL season was cut short by a knee problem. She only played as a batsman in the ODI against New Zealand in December, having missed the previous series against India with the same knee problem.
Healy continued to keep wicket for the ODIs against England, which were played in a six-day window. The upcoming T20I series in January is also packed, with matches in Canberra and Adelaide. There are concerns about her ability to cope with the physical demands of a Test match, particularly as a wicketkeeper.
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