Australia star in doubt for India ODIs after picking knee injury
Australia’s full-time captain Alyssa Healy injured her left knee and was ruled out of the ongoing Women’s Big Bash League.
The news was announced by her WBBL side, Sydney Sixers, who confirmed that Healy would not participate in the remainder of the tournament.
This injury leaves Healy in the race to become fit for the upcoming home ODI series against India, which begins on 5 December.
Injury concerns had struck Healy earlier in the season too, when a ruptured plantar fascia ruled her out of the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final clash against South Africa, which the latter won to secure a place in the final. In Healy’s absence, Tahlia McGrath led the side, and might don the same role if the keeper fails to get fit in time for the India clash.
Earlier in November, Healy had cast aspersions on her full availability for the upcoming cricketing season.
“There are higher powers sitting above that are quite vocal in what can and can't happen, which I completely understand,” Healy had said. “Being skipper as well is a fairly big role for me. I want to be available for as much of the summer as I can.”
Speaking further in the context of her participation in the WBBL, Healy had believed that she might have to sit out of some games over the season.
“I've hardly played a game for the [Sydney] Sixers for the past two seasons, and it's a place I really enjoy playing cricket.
“I want to be available for every game that I possibly can, but the reality is that might not be the case.”
The home series against India will be followed by an away ODI tour of New Zealand, following which the Aussies will return home to face England in the multi-format Ashes.