Picture Credit: X
Australia Women have been hit with massive injury blows as two of their key players sustained injuries in their previous match, where they registered a convincing nine-wicket win over Pakistan Women in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. While skipper Alyssa Healy sustained a hamstring injury, Taylor Vlaeminck dislocated her shoulder on the fourth ball of the first over.
However, these blows have come just in time for the all-important match against India Women, which is scheduled for Sunday, October 13 at the Sharjah Cricket Ground, Sharjah. Moreover, a lot will depend on the result of this key match, which will also decide India Women’s future in the tournament as a win will confirm them a place in the semi-final.
Alyssa Healy and Taylor Vlaeminck doubtful for match against India Women
Speaking ahead of the crucial match, Australia Women head coach Shelly Nitschek opened up on the injuries to the two players and added that they would wait for next few hours to take a call. “So, obviously, we lost Taylor pretty early in the game, which was pretty devastating. And I think as someone said earlier, the players were probably pretty shaken out there, and she's got a dislocated shoulder that's now back in place. And that's just a matter of assessing that in the next 24 hours and sort of seeing where that finishes up,” Nitschke said.
Whereas, speaking of Healy’s injury, Nitschke said, “And obviously Alyssa coming off at the end with a foot injury as well. And again, it's pretty early days. So, it's just over the next 24 hours that will be assessed. But yeah, I think it's pretty devastating, particularly for Taylor, who's had a tough road back and playing in her first World Cup for a little while, so in first game for the tournament. So, the girls are pretty supportive in getting around both her and Alyssa at the moment.”
With both Vlaeminck and Healy being key players in the Australian setup, Australia will look for suitable alternatives with Kim Garth and Darcie Brown potentially being looked in as direct replacements. Moreover, Garce Harris could also come in place of Healy with Tahila McGrath assuming the role as captain if Healy continues to sit out.
