Follow UsAustralia captain Alyssa Healy continues to be on the sidelines as she will miss the upcoming T20 International (T20I) against New Zealand, but Australia selector Shawn Flegler remains confident that she will be fit in time for the World Cup later this year.
In her absence, uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Nicole Faltum has been named in the 14-member squad, that will travel to New Zealand for the T20Is starting in Auckland from March 21 onwards.
However, Healy, who skipped the Women's Premier League (WPL) due to a stress fracture on her right foot, is expected to return for the Hundred and could be seen in Australian colours for the tour of India in September, leading up to the World Cup. "My understanding is that there's no doubt that she'll get through to the World Cup, that's for sure," Flegler said.
"She's had a complicated last couple of years with some different injuries that's been related to foot...some Achilles and stuff. We certainly don't want to rush it. As far as I'm aware, there's no risk that she'll miss out on that World Cup."
In Healy's absence, Tahlia McGrath will lead the side in New Zealand, with Ash Gardner her deputy. Moreover, the experienced Beth Mooney will don the gloves with the skipper still on the sidelines. Healy's replacement in the squad, Faltum, has a superb Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) with the Melbourne Renegades.
She also led the Governer-General's XI against England in January. She fought off competition from the likes of Tahlia Wilson and Maddy Darke for the series.
"We just see Nic slightly ahead of the others, particularly for the T20 format," Australia chief selector Shawn Flegler told reporters. "It's really unlikely that she will play. Obviously, Beth will take the gloves for this tour and she did a really good job during the Ashes replacing Alyssa.
"But we just thought it was a great opportunity for Nicole to come in and be around the group, train with them and get to see the environment first hand."
The three T20Is against T20 World Cup champions New Zealand will be played from March 21 to 26 in Auckland, Mount Maunganui and Wellington, respectively.