Cricket

Alyssa Healy's hopes of playing in Australia's upcoming ODI series against India are hanging in the balance after she was ruled out of the remainder of the WBBL with a knee injury.The Sydney Sixers captain sustained the injury to her left knee during the team's last-start loss to the Brisbane Heat. The injury is not believed to be serious enough to rule her out of the multi-format Ashes, which begin on January 12, but it does cast doubt on her availability for the three-match ODI series against India, which starts just four days after the WBBL final.Healy has been battling injuries throughout the summer, having entered the WBBL with a foot injury that ended her T20 World Cup campaign early. She also missed the Sixers' last match due to body management.The injury is a significant blow to the Sixers, who are now facing the prospect of needing to win their last three matches to make the WBBL finals. If Healy does miss the international matches, Tahlia McGrath would be expected to deputise as captain again after doing so in the World Cup.Healy's injury highlights the challenges faced by female athletes in managing their workload during a busy summer schedule. The Australian captain has been open about the need to manage her pain and function throughout the summer, and it remains to be seen whether she will be able to play in all of the upcoming matches.

Sydney Sixers have received a significant boost with the return of Australian captain Alyssa Healy, who has recovered from the injury that forced her to miss the latter stages of the T20 World Cup. Healy, who suffered a ruptured plantar fascia in her right foot during Australia's match against Pakistan, is now available for the WBBL and will make her comeback in Friday's clash against Melbourne Stars at North Sydney Oval.Healy's return is a major boost for the Sixers, who have struggled in her absence. They lost their opening match of the tournament to defending champions Adelaide Strikers and will be looking to bounce back against the Stars. Healy's experience and leadership will be invaluable to the Sixers, who are aiming to win their third WBBL title.Speaking after Australia's semi-final loss to South Africa, Healy admitted that she had wrestled with the decision over whether to try and play in the World Cup. "It was a really hard decision to make last night as to whether or not we're going to give it a punt or not," she said. "I tried to make the 'team decision' and sat myself down, instead of taking the risk."Healy's return to fitness is a timely boost for the Sixers, who are also missing New Zealand allrounder Amelia Kerr. Kerr is doubtful for the entire competition after picking up an injury in India. However, the Sixers have been impressed by the performances of Scotland's Sarah Bryce, who has been in excellent form with the bat.The Sixers will be hoping that Healy can make a quick return to form and help them challenge for the WBBL title. They have a tough match against the Stars on Friday, but Healy's presence will give them a major boost.

Alyssa Healy's absence from Australia's T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa was a major blow to the team's hopes of retaining their title. The captain revealed that she had suffered a ruptured plantar fascia in her foot, an injury that prevented her from taking the field.Healy sustained the injury while running between the wickets during Australia's penultimate group-stage game against Pakistan. Despite the pain, she attempted to play through the discomfort, but the decision was ultimately made to rest her for the semi-final."It's a bit sore," Healy said after the match. "I ruptured my plantar fascia. I completely ruptured one and partially ruptured the other."The injury is a significant setback for Healy, who is one of Australia's most experienced and successful players. Her absence was keenly felt in the semi-final, as South Africa cruised to an eight-wicket victory.Healy's availability for the upcoming WBBL season and India's tour of Australia remains uncertain. She admitted that she is unsure how long she will be sidelined."I don't know yet," she said. "We'll assess that when we get back. WBBL starts next Sunday so we'll reassess that as we go."Despite the disappointment of missing the semi-final, Healy praised her teammates for their efforts throughout the tournament."It was hard to watch, knowing that you can't really go out there and help," she said. "But it was good to see so many positives throughout the tournament. It hasn't ended the way we wanted, but I think we've played some amazing cricket."Healy also expressed her confidence in stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath, who led Australia to victory in their final group game against India."T-Mac's had the opportunity to captain in my absence before and done it outstandingly well," she said. "I can't fault the side at all in their optimism in taking on the challenge."

In a highly anticipated rematch of the 2023 Women's T20 World Cup final, South Africa elected to bowl first after winning the toss against Australia in the first semi-final of the 2024 edition. The match, played at a pitch with minimal grass cover, marked the absence of Australian captain Alyssa Healy, who continues to recover from an injury.South Africa's captain, Laura Wolvaardt, explained her decision to bowl first by stating that the ball "comes on better in the second half." The Proteas fielded an unchanged lineup from their previous match, while Australia retained the same team that narrowly defeated India in their last league game.Australia's batting lineup featured explosive opener Grace Harris and wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney, who has been in impressive form throughout the tournament. South Africa's bowling attack, led by experienced all-rounder Marizanne Kapp and pace bowler Ayabonga Khaka, will be tasked with containing the Australian batters.The pitch, which has hosted two matches in the tournament, is expected to offer assistance to both batters and fast bowlers. The square boundaries are relatively short, measuring 57 and 63 meters, while the straight boundary is 73 meters.South Africa will be aiming to repeat their historic T20I victory over Australia earlier this year, while Australia will be determined to avenge their loss in the previous World Cup final. The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the top teams in women's cricket.

Australia's hopes of retaining their T20 World Cup title hinge on the fitness of captain Alyssa Healy, who is battling a foot injury ahead of their semi-final clash against South Africa. Healy sustained the injury during Australia's victory over Pakistan and has been using crutches and a moon boot since.Despite her absence from training, Australia remains optimistic about Healy's availability for the crucial match. "We're going to give her every opportunity and possibility of playing tomorrow night," said Ellyse Perry, who deputized as captain in Healy's absence.Perry emphasized the importance of Healy's leadership and the team's unwavering support for her. "Midge is such an important leader in our group and is still contributing just as much," she said.Australia's preparations for the semi-final were tested in their final group-stage match against India, which was played in front of a hostile pro-India crowd in Sharjah. Perry believes the experience will serve them well in the knockout stages."It was a situation we've been in before but probably hadn't been exposed to in this World Cup so far," she said. "I thought the way we rose to that and just adapted to the challenge was awesome."South Africa, meanwhile, are buoyed by their recent victory over Australia in a T20I in Canberra. Captain Laura Wolvaardt believes that win has instilled confidence in her team."It brings back a little bit of déjà vu, just a year ago having to face them in the final," Wolvaardt said. "A lot has happened since then, though obviously we had the two wins against them earlier this year, so I think that just gives a bit of a positive energy in the camp."South Africa has also grown as a team since their World Cup final defeat last year, with the addition of allrounder Annerie Dercksen and the experience gained through a challenging year."It's been a bit of an up and down year for us," Wolvaardt said. "But I feel like we have really hit our stride in this World Cup."The semi-final between Australia and South Africa promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams determined to reach the final. Healy's fitness will be a key factor, but Australia will be confident in their ability to overcome adversity and defend their title.

Australia's T20 World Cup campaign has suffered a major blow with the loss of fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck for the remainder of the tournament. Vlaeminck dislocated her right shoulder while attempting to save a boundary in Australia's victory over Pakistan on Friday.The injury is a cruel setback for Vlaeminck, who was making her first World Cup appearance since 2018. The 23-year-old has endured a string of serious injuries throughout her career, including two ACL tears, a twice-dislocated left shoulder, and stress fractures to her foot.Vlaeminck's absence will be a significant loss for Australia, who are one of the favorites to win the tournament. The right-armer has been a key member of the team's bowling attack in recent years, and her pace and aggression will be missed.Australia have called up Heather Graham as Vlaeminck's replacement. Graham is a right-arm seam bowler who has played five T20Is and one ODI for Australia. She will be available for selection in Australia's final group game against India on Sunday.In addition to Vlaeminck's injury, Australia are also sweating on the fitness of captain Alyssa Healy. Healy suffered a right-foot injury while batting in the match against Pakistan. The extent of the injury is not yet known, but Healy is expected to undergo scans on Saturday.If Healy is ruled out of the tournament, it would be a major blow for Australia. The wicketkeeper-batter is one of the most experienced players in the team and her leadership will be missed.Australia will be hoping that both Vlaeminck and Healy can recover in time for the knockout stages of the tournament. However, the injuries are a reminder of the fragility of the human body and the challenges that athletes face in staying healthy.

India's Women's T20 World Cup destiny hangs in the balance as they face an injury-ravaged Australia in a must-win clash on Sunday, October 13, 2024. India's emphatic victory over Sri Lanka has boosted their chances of reaching the semifinals, but they need another positive result to secure their spot.Australia, with six points from three matches and an impressive net run rate, is virtually assured of a semifinal berth. However, the defending champions suffered two significant setbacks during their victory over Pakistan. Skipper Alyssa Healy exited the field with an "acute injury to her right foot," while fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck dislocated her shoulder.With the pair expected to miss the crucial clash, Australia's depth will be tested. India's 82-run victory over Sri Lanka marked their largest margin of victory in tournament history, boosting not only their confidence but also their net run rate from negative to positive.The win elevated them to second place in Group A, just behind Australia. However, India, who are on 4 points, will need a win to keep their knockout aspirations alive as New Zealand have one more game in hand and can also reach a total of 6 points.If that's the scenario, qualification will hinge on the net run rate. While India currently holds a +0.567 NRR, New Zealand (-0.050) could surpass Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. with substantial victories over Pakistan and Sri Lanka.Pakistan have 2 points from three games. If they defeat New Zealand in their final match and India loses to Australia, there is a possibility that all three teams could be stuck on 4 points and again the NRR will come into play.Thus, the 'Women in Blue' will be desperate not only for a win but also for another net run rate boost to steer off any threat from the Kiwis. India has always challenged the Aussies, and with a last-four spot on the line, Harmanpreet Kaur would want her side to produce its A game once again.The fact that the top order comprising Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, and skipper Harmanpreet is back among runs augers well for the side. Considering that it will be India's first match here and the venue has been tough on the batters, a lot will hinge on the trio and Jemimah Rodrigues, who is due for a big knock.The bowlers, who enjoyed a stellar outing against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, will hope to keep their opponents quiet. If Healy misses out, Australia will face the challenge of finding a new captain, wicketkeeper, and opening batter, significantly reshaping their lineup. Beth Mooney will take over the wicket-keeping duties.But vice-captain Tahlia McGrath, who is expected to lead the side against India, insists Australia are ready to call on their squad strength. "The thing about this Australia team is the depth we have. It’s time to use it,” she said on Friday.

Australia vs Pakistan: Green and Gold Aim for 14th Consecutive T20 World Cup WinDubai, 6pm local timeAustralia, the reigning T20 World Cup champions, will face Pakistan in a highly anticipated clash on Friday. The match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with the first ball scheduled for 6pm local time.Australia, led by Alyssa Healy, are the clear favorites heading into the match. They are the only unbeaten team in Group A, having recorded impressive victories over Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Pakistan, on the other hand, have won one and lost one of their two matches so far.Australia's batting lineup is one of the most formidable in the tournament. Beth Mooney, the reigning Player of the Tournament, has been in excellent form, while Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry are also capable of match-winning performances. Pakistan's bowling attack will need to be at their best to contain the Australian batters.Pakistan's batting has been inconsistent so far in the tournament. Muneeba Ali, the captain, has been the only batter to score consistently. The team will need their other batters, such as Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail, to step up and contribute.Australia's bowling attack is also strong, with Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, and Sophie Molineux all capable of taking wickets. Pakistan's batters will need to be patient and disciplined in order to build a competitive total.The match is expected to be a close and exciting contest. Australia will be looking to extend their winning streak to 14 matches, while Pakistan will be determined to upset the champions and boost their chances of reaching the semi-finals.

Six-time T20 World Cup champions Australia faced Sri Lanka in their tournament opener in Sharjah, with Sri Lanka opting to bat first. The match marked Sri Lanka's second in less than 48 hours, having lost their opener to Pakistan.Despite the slow and dry surface, Australia surprised by selecting an extra seamer, Darcie Brown, instead of Grace Harris or Alana King. They still retained four spin options in Sophie Molineux, Georgia Wareham, Phoebe Litchfield, and Ashleigh Gardner.Sri Lanka made one change to their XI, bringing back experienced left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera in place of Sachini Nisansala. Their batting lineup, which struggled to 85 runs against Pakistan, remained unchanged.Australia's Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, and Ellyse Perry formed the top order, while Sri Lanka's Vishmi Gunaratne and Chamari Athapaththu opened the batting.The match was played on a surface with more green grass than the previous day's strip, which could potentially favor the seamers. Sri Lanka had never defeated Australia in a T20I, making this a significant challenge for them.