Cricket

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.

The Blaze, led by an impressive bowling performance from Australian allrounder Heather Graham, continued their dominance in the Charlotte Edwards Cup with a seven-wicket victory over Western Storm. Graham, making her debut for the East Midlands side, claimed 4 for 10, while offspinner Lucy Higham (2 for 18) and left-arm strike bowler Grace Ballinger (1 for 17) also contributed to Storm's dismissal for 99.England skipper Heather Knight top-scored for Storm with 20, but the Blaze's bowling attack proved too strong. The Blaze chased down their target with 35 balls to spare, thanks largely to Scottish internationals Kathryn Bryce (46) and Sarah Bryce. Graham capped her impressive afternoon by hitting the winning boundary.The Blaze, who lost only to Southern Vipers in last season's final, now have six wins from six in the 2024 edition and lead the points table. They remain on track for a return to finals day at Derby on 22 June.Storm skipper Sophie Luff opted to bat first but lost two wickets for 29 in the powerplay overs. Ballinger dismissed Nat Wraith, while Graham claimed the wicket of Fran Wilson. Knight made a positive start but was bowled by Gordon. Legspinner Josie Groves had Amanda-Jade Wellington leg before, leaving Storm at 58 for 4 after 10 overs.Higham bowled Alex Griffiths and had Luff caught at mid-off, while Issy Wong was run out. Graham returned to take three wickets in six deliveries, dismissing Smale, Skelton, and Anderson.Wong removed Tammy Beaumont with the last ball of the opening over of the Blaze's chase, and Teresa Graves was dismissed shortly after. However, Kathryn Bryce and Sarah Bryce put on a 67-run partnership for the third wicket. Filer eventually dismissed Kathryn Bryce, but Graham hit the winning boundary off the first ball of the 15th over to seal the victory.