[Watch] Alyssa Healy reports for 2024 T20 Women's World Cup clash against India on crutches after calf injury
Australia captain Alyssa Healy was spotted walking on crutches ahead of the crucial 2024 T20 Women's World Cup Group A clash against India at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday, October 13. The wicketkeeper-batter had sustained a calf injury while running between the wickets during their recent nine-wicket win over Pakistan.
Healy walked off retired hurt towards the end of the contest and struggled to put weight on the injured leg. On her way back, she struggled to climb the stairs and was seen hopping to reach the dressing room. As a result, she could not make it for the post-match presentation.
The extent of the injury is yet to be revealed, but given that she was walking with crutches, it is safe to assume that she will not play any part in the match against India. If the 34-year-old recovers in time, her participation in the knockout matches could be a possibility.
Watch Alyssa Healy arriving for the India match here:
Australia already have one player ruled out of the tournament in the form of Tayla Vlaeminck. The pacer had dislocated her shoulder while trying to save a boundary in the early stages of the match against Pakistan. Cricket Australia has named Heather Graham as a replacement player.
The defending champions are unbeaten in the tournament so far, compiling dominant wins over Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand to be at the top of the group with a game to spare.
Tahlia McGrath leads Australia in Alyssa Healy's absence
Australia vice-captain Tahlia McGrath has the task of leading the side in the absence of the skipper. The Women in Yellow have opted to bat first after winning the toss, with two forced changes to their playing XI after the injuries.
"We are gonna bat first, put up a score on the board. This is third game here, looks like a slightly better surface than the previous ones," stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath said at the toss.
Beth Mooney is likely to keep wickets in Healy's absence while a change in the opening combination is also inevitable.