Why Alyssa Healy Isn’t Playing Today ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2024 18th T20I?

In a significant blow to Australia’s campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024, captain Alyssa Healy will not participate in the crucial group stage match against India today. The news was confirmed by Cricket Australia shortly before the toss, as Healy is sidelined due to a foot injury sustained during a previous match against Pakistan.

Injury Details

Alyssa Healy sustained the injury while batting in Australia’s clash against Pakistan on October 11. During that match, she was in good form, scoring 37 runs before limping off the field. The injury prevented her from continuing in the game, and she was seen arriving at the Sharjah venue on crutches, signaling her unavailability for the highly anticipated match against India.

In a statement from Cricket Australia, it was confirmed that Healy would continue to be assessed over the coming days. “Alyssa Healy is unavailable for tonight’s game after suffering a foot injury on Friday night. She will continue to be assessed over the coming days, and should Australia qualify for the semi-finals, her availability will be determined in due course,” the statement read.

Team Changes

With Healy ruled out, vice-captain Tahlia McGrath has taken the reins for this important fixture, leading a team that needs to perform at its best to secure a semifinal spot. Ellyse Perry will serve as the deputy captain.

McGrath acknowledged the team’s strategy at the toss, saying, “We are gonna bat first, put up a score on the board and take it from there. This is our third game here, looks like a slightly better surface than the previous ones. No concern about injuries right now with all the focus on the game.”

To replace Healy and fellow teammate Tayla Vlaeminck, who is also unavailable due to injury, Grace Harris and Darcie Brown have been included in the playing XI.

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Indian Team’s Strategy

India, facing a must-win scenario to stay in contention for the semifinals, has also made a tactical change, bringing in Pooja Vastrakar to replace Sajana Sajeevan. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed confidence in her team’s preparation, stating, “We have to bowl them out for a low total and chase it down. It’s our first game here, we have watched many games on TV and we have our plans. We have beaten them in the past too and we can again do that.”