Beth Mooney fractured her jaw during a training session on Monday, 17 January. She will undergo surgery, and the team management is hopeful for her return before the ICC ODI World Cup.
'Unfortunately I played a pivotal role,' said head coach Matthew Mott. 'Throwing balls to Beth, she was batting incredibly well, and as can happen just a rouge ball came up and put her in a pretty tough position. She tried to get out of the way and unfortunately copped it on the side of the chin.'
The Ashes begins with a three-match T20I series, with the first match to be played in Adelaide on 20 January. Mooney will miss the T20I leg and the Test match, but may return for the ODI series.
Her absence will pave the way for Georgia Redmayne, who is likely to open the innings alongside Alyssa Healy. Another option for the hosts is to promote Rachael Haynes up the order.