Australia bring in replacement player ahead of final group clash with India
Injury has forced a change to Australia's squad in the middle of their ICC Women's T20 World Cup defence.
Tayla Vlaeminck will miss the remainder of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup due to a dislocated shoulder.
The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 approved fast-bowling all-rounder Heather Graham as a replacement for Vlaeminck in the Australia squad.
Graham, who has five T20Is to her name, will be available for selection of their final group game against India and the knockout stage should Australia qualify.
Vlaeminck, who has had a history of unfortunate setbacks throughout her career, was featuring in just her second T20 World Cup game since making her debut in 2018.
Vlaeminck went down while attempting to prevent a boundary just four balls into her return for Australia against Pakistan in their group-stage meeting,
Tayla Vlaeminck injury | AUS v PAK | WT20WC 2024
Unfortunate injury forces Vlaeminck off the field | WT20WC 2024
Australia meanwhile are also sweating on the fitness of Alyssa Healy, who pulled up while batting in the same match, retiring hurt in her team's successful chase.
Hitting a quickfire 37 off 23 balls, Healy was forced to go off the field after injuring her right foot while running a single.
Australia take on India in their final Group A match on Sunday evening, and Australia released a statement prior to the toss, stating that Healy could yet play a part in the tournament should Australia qualify for the knockout stages, with Tahlia McGrath confirmed as captain in her absence.
"Tayla Vlaeminck dislocated her right shoulder during Friday night’s match," the media release said. "She will miss the remainder of the tournament, with all-rounder Heather Graham to come into the squad as a replacement player for Vlaeminck.
"Alyssa Healy is unavailable for tonight’s game after suffering a foot injury on Friday night. 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.
"Tahlia McGrath will captain Australia in its final pool match against India this evening, with Ellyse Perry confirmed as vice-captain."
Australia squad: Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham
Healy hobbles and retires hurt in Pakistan chase | WT20WC 2024
Healy hobbles and retires hurt in Pakistan fixture | WT20WC 2024
