Due to a foot injury, Australia skipper Alyssa Healy will not play in the first T20I of the multi-format Women's Ashes series, which is scheduled for January 20 at the SCG. Her participation in the rest of the Ashes series is now uncertain due to the injury. It is a race against time for the keeper-batter due to the demanding schedule of three T20Is and a four-day Test match over the following two weeks.
Healy dealing with foot injury
Healy complained of pain in the same foot where she had ruptured her plantar fascia during the T20 World Cup in October of last year. After suffering a knee injury that prevented her from playing in the Women's Big Bash and the ODI series against India that followed, she has been beset by injuries. The injury is yet another setback for the 34-year-old, who made a comeback to cricket as a specialist batter in the ODI series against New Zealand near the end of December and returned to wicketkeeping duties in the ODI leg against England.
Cricket Australia on Healy's injury
In an official statement, Cricket Australia stated that Healy was being treated in a boot and that details regarding the severity of her injuries are still being obtained before she may play.
"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. Her availability for the remainder of the series will be assessed as more information becomes available," stated CA
Tahlia McGrath will lead Australia as they try to wiN and keep the Ashes in Sydney, but Grace Harris or Georgia Voll, who has not played yet, could occupy the top-order spot. The wicket will be kept by Beth Mooney. Due to Healy's injury, Australia has likely also postponed naming their team for the day-night Test at the MCG, which was originally scheduled for Monday's T20I.