Australian cricket captain Alyssa Healy has been ruled out of the remainder of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season due to a knee injury, raising concerns about her availability for the upcoming ODI series against India.
The Sydney Sixers confirmed Healy’s withdrawal, noting that the 34-year-old is undergoing rehabilitation for multiple injuries, including a lingering foot issue sustained during the T20 World Cup earlier this year. Healy had previously hinted at the need for careful management of her foot injury, acknowledging the challenges it posed for her return to full fitness.
“There are higher powers sitting above that are quite vocal in what can and can’t happen, which I completely understand,” Healy said earlier this month. “I want to be available for as much of the summer as I can, but the reality is that might not be the case.”
Leadership in Question for Upcoming Series
Healy’s absence could have a significant impact on Australia’s preparations for their three-match series against India, followed by a series in New Zealand. If ruled out, Tahlia McGrath, who captained the side during the T20 World Cup, is the likely candidate to step into the leadership role.
The Sixers stated that Healy would undergo further assessments in the next two weeks to determine her fitness for the India tour. While the injury clouds her short-term availability, it is not expected to affect her participation in the multi-format Ashes series, which begins on January 12 in North Sydney.
Healy had been eager to make an impact in the WBBL after limited appearances for the Sixers in recent seasons. However, the dual injuries have curtailed her plans. “How I pull up from games is going to be really important,” she said, emphasizing the need to balance her ambitions with medical advice.
Her absence is a significant blow for the Sixers, who lose a seasoned campaigner and leader. For the national side, the priority remains ensuring Healy’s fitness for the demanding international schedule ahead, especially with the Ashes looming large.
As the Australian team faces a critical juncture in their season, all eyes will be on Healy’s recovery and the leadership dynamics in her potential absence.
