Australia women's cricket captain Alyssa Healy has been ruled out of the first T20I against England Women due to leg pain. Alyssa Healy is suffering from pain in the same side as the injury she suffered during last year's T20 World Cup and is a doubt for the remainder of the Ashes series.
Australia are expected to be led by Tahlia McGrath as they look to extend their Ashes lead to 7-0 in Sydney. The top-order vacancy is likely to be filled by either Grace Harris or Georgia Voll. Australia has delayed announcing the squad for the day-night Test at the MCG.
Alyssa Healy ruled out of first T20I against England Women
Cricket Australia has revealed that Alyssa Healy has developed midfoot pain on the same side as her previous plantar fascia injury. The statement said the medical team is consulting with specialists and Healy's availability for the rest of the series will be assessed as more information becomes available.
“Alyssa developed mid-foot pain on the same side as her previous plantar fascia injury following the ODI series,” Cricket Australia said in a statement. “She is currently being run in a boot and will not be available for tonight's game.
“Cricket Australias medical team are consulting with specialists to develop an appropriate management plan over the coming days. Her availability for the remainder of the series will be assessed as more information becomes available.”
Healy is not the only key player missing from Australia's training session
Georgia Voll replaced her during the ODI series against India and scored a century in the second match and Grace Harris opened during the World Cup. The second T20I is in Canberra on Thursday and the third is in Adelaide on Saturday before the day-night Test at the MCG begins on January 30.
Healy wasn't the only key player missing from Australia's training session at the SCG on Sunday. Ashleigh Gardner, who had been warming up with the team, missed the game, running drills and net session. Gardner's fitness is crucial, especially after her match-winning performance in the third ODI on Friday.
Alyssa Healy is having a tough time with injuries
Alyssa Healy has had a tough time with injuries. After returning from injury at the World Cup, her WBBL season was cut short by a knee problem. She only played as a batsman in the ODI against New Zealand in December, having missed the previous series against India due to the same knee problem.
Healy resumed wicketkeeping for the ODIs against England, which were played in a six-day window. The upcoming T20I series in January is also packed with matches in Canberra and Adelaide. There are concerns about her ability to handle the physical demands of a Test match, especially as a wicketkeeper.
Read also: Watch: Liam Dawson's outstanding catch leaves Quinton de Kock stunned in SA20 2025