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Australia skipper Alyssa Healy on Monday, January 20 was forced to sit out of the opening T20I of the three-match series. With the Women’s Ashes series underway in Australia, the action shifted to the shortest format after the hosts registered a series whitewash in the ODI series.
Ahead of the first T20I against England Women in Sydney, Australia Women were handed a big blow as they confirmed Alyssa Healy and Ashleigh Gardner’s absence due to their respective injuries. Moreover, Cricket Australia also confirmed that Tahila McGrath will take over the captaincy duties for the first T20I.
Alyssa Healy doubtful for remainder of Ashes Women’s series with foot injury
While the injury to the veteran player comes as a blow, putting her doubtful for the remainder of the series. Although, she is currently rehabilitating, CA in its statement informed, “She is currently being managed in a boot and will not be available for this evening’s game. CA’s medical team is consulting with specialists to develop an appropriate management plan over the coming days.” Notably, this isn’t the first time Healy has reported some concern. She reported pain in the same foot she injured during the T20 World Cup in October, following which she had injured her plantar fascia.
“Her availability for the remainder of the series will be assessed as more information becomes available,” CA further added. While Healy remains out, Tahila McGrath will take over the captaincy gloves whereas Beth Mooney will be keeping the wickets. Moreover, with the two teams playing three T20Is and a four-day Test in a space of 12 days, Healy will be monitored from close quarters and an update on his availability will be decided then.
Australia Women's T20I squad for Ashes Women
Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris (wk), Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham