Australia captain Alyssa Healy unavailable for South Africa semi-final
Australia skipper Alyssa Healy arrived at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium without the crutches and moon boot she had prior to missing her team's clash with India in Sharjah.
However, despite the positive signs of Healy's improved fitness, she was deemed not ready to return to face South Africa in Thursday's semi-final.
The news was confirmed by stand-in skipper Tahlia McGrath at the toss, with the Australia team releasing an official statement at the same time, saying:
“Australia lost the toss and will bat first against South Africa in its ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final.
"Alyssa Healy remains unavailable, but is progressing and continues to be assessed daily.”
Healy had hobbled off the field in the group-stage fixture against Pakistan with an "acute injury to her right foot" and missed the following match against India.
McGrath led the side in her absence against India, with Ellyse Perry as vice-captain, as Australia cruised into the semi-finals unbeaten in the group stage.
But on Thursday, Healy arrived at the stadium for the semi-final clash against the Proteas without her crutches and moon boot, and the skipper wasn't limping as she made her way to the stadium.
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Cricket Australia had kept Healy with the team with hopes of her recovering in time for the knockout stage of the tournament.
In a statement released by Cricket Australia before the India game, they stated that her availability will be assessed ahead of the semis.
"She will continue to be assessed over the coming days and should Australia qualify for the semi-finals, her availability will be determined in due course."
That situation will be repeated for Sunday's final, should Australia beat South Africa in Dubai.