Ahead of Gujarat Giants' opening fixture against the Mumbai Indians, Beth Mooney-led outfit have been dealt with a severe blow as star West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin has been ruled out of the Women's Premier League. The team management have named Australian bowler Kim Garth as her replacement. 

🚨 Another lioness from Down Under, @kim_garth joins our pride! 🇦🇺🦁#WPL #GujaratGiants #AdaniSportsline #Adani pic.twitter.com/vd9z6Ssp0i

— Gujarat Giants (@GujaratGiants) March 3, 2023

The Gujarat Giants acquired the services of Dottin for 60 lakhs in the WPL auction on February 13, 10 lakhs over her base price. However, an unfortunate injury has ruled out of the historic event, with the Ireland-born Garth replacing her. 

The 26-year-old was part of Australia's World Cup winning squad in South Africa and played the warm-up fixtures for them ahead of the marquee event. After plying her trade for Ireland at the international level, Garth moved to Australia and played in the Women's Big Bash League and the Women's National Cricket League for Victoria to become eligible for Australian selection. 

The right-arm pacer has a wealth of experience playing in the shortest format and scalped 103 wickets in 107 innings at an average of 21.3 and an economy rate of 6.2 runs per over. 

The Giants will open their campaign against the Mumbai Indians on Saturday, March 4 at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai.