Follow UsAustralia Women’s skipper Alyssa Healy has been ruled out of the first T20I against England Women in Sydney on January 20 (Monday) due to foot soreness. The wicketkeeper-batter is now in doubt for the remainder of the multi-format Ashes series.
In Healy’s absence, Tahlia McGrath is likely to lead the Australian unit. One of Grace Harris or uncapped Georgia Voll will replace Healy in the top order, while Beth Mooney will take the gloves.
Following the third ODI, Healy reported pain in the same foot she injured during the T20 World Cup in October. The 34-year-old ruptured her plantar fascia and was ruled out during the group stage. Healy then also missed the home series against India but played as a pure batter in the ODIs against New Zealand in December.
"Alyssa has developed mid-foot soreness on the same side as her previous plantar fascia injury following the ODI series. She is currently being managed in a boot and will not be available for this evening's game,” a Cricket Australia statement said.
"Cricket Australia'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."
Australia clean swept England 3-0 in the ODIs, and a win in the first T20I will help them retain the Ashes. The next two T20Is will be played on January 23 and 25 before the day-night Test at the MCG gets underway on January 30.