Australia’s Women’s Team suffered a major blow ahead of the T20 World Cup opener against India as pace spearhead Tayla Vlaemnick was ruled out with a stress fracture in her foot. Vlaeminck’s injury is a big blow to the defending champions because of the pace she adds in the attack. The 21-year old was touted to be the fastest bowler in the tournament and a major weapon with the new ball.
With few quicks as good available in the domestic circuit, Australia have turned to off-spinner Molly Strano who was recently named domestic player of the year. She was also the leading wicket-taker in the Women’s Big Bash League.
“Tayla has been in brilliant form of late and established herself as one of the premier fast bowlers in international cricket,” head coach Matthew Mott said.
“No one ever wants to see a player miss a major tournament in these kinds of circumstances, but I have no doubt she will bounce back from this setback and play a leading role in Australian squads for many years to come.
“We are fortunate to have great depth across Australian cricket and Molly enters the squad in great form having recently been named the domestic player of the year.”
Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Erin Burns, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy (wk), Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Molly Strano, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham