Alyssa Healy walks off retired hurt after suspected calf injury during AUS vs PAK 2024 Women's T20 World Cup matchÂ
Australia women's team captain Alyssa Healy had to walk back after retiring hurt after pulling her calf during the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup Group A contest against Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday, October 11. She suffered the injury while running between the wickets as Australia were nearing another thumping win in the tournament.
Healy looked in phenomenal touch while leading the Women in Yellow's run-chase attempt. They were set a paltry target of 83 after putting Pakistan into bat first.
The wicket-keeper batter dominated the powerplay, scoring three boundaries, and had also received a reprieve after being dropped at long-off by Nashra Sandhu. She was batting on 37 runs off 23 deliveries when disaster struck.
With Australia in touching distance of the target, Ellyse Perry drove the first delivery of the 10th over down the ground. It looked like a routine double, but Healy started hobbling while completing her second run. She was clutching her left leg, and the medical team was soon out in the middle to assess the condition.
The testing temperatures and humidity have made cramps a common sight in the tournament. However, Healy's reaction suggested the case was more severe than a routine muscle cramp. She eventually had to walk off and struggled to put weight on the injured leg. The skipper was seen hobbling up the stairs on one leg, and one can only wait before the severity of the injury is revealed.
Australia suffer 2 major injuries in one contest with Healy and Vlaeminck being on the receiving end
Pacer Tayla Vlaeminck, who replaced Grace Harris in the playing XI, suffered a dislocated shoulder while trying to save a boundary in the early stages of the tournament. Cricket Australia issued an official statement, where it was mentioned that the shoulder has been reset, and the extent of the injury will be disclosed in the coming days.
As far as Healy's injury is concerned, it comes across as a huge blow. Australia are scheduled to face India in the coming days and also have the knockouts to deal with after that. Australia will have several decisions to make if the worst-case scenario unfolds.
Phoebe Litchfield is the likely candidate to replace her as an opener, while Tahlia McGrath will handle the leadership responsibilities of being the vice-captain of the current setup.