Australia named a late replacement for an injured bowler Tayla Vlaeminck ahead of their last ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 group-stage clash against India on Sunday. The bowling all-rounder Heather Graham came into the squad with a major boost to Australia's preparations for the India clash.
Tayla Vlaeminck suffered a should injury while fielding in the very first over of Australia's last game against Pakistan on Friday. It was her first game in the tournament after failing to make the playing eleven in the opening two matches.
The 25-year-old speedster dislocated her shoulder as she slided awkwardly while stopping the four runs over the boundary ropes. Her injury seemed serious enough for Australia to consider her replacement before the India game.
Heather Graham, the 28-year-old pace all-rounder, has already joined the team in Dubai and is available for the selection against India in Sharjah. Graham's 3 of 5 T20Is came against India in 2022 where she picked seven wickets and is expected to start in the playing eleven ahead of Grace Harris on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Australia provided no update on their captain Alyssa Healy's injury who retired hurt while batting against Pakistan. Healy is expected to be given rest for India's game as Australia are clear favourites to secure a semi-final berth regardless of the result.
With both Healy and Talya out, the Australian side is likely to struggle to dominate India in their last league-stage game. India need two points for survival and they are expected to produce their best performance after an impressive show against Sri Lanka in their last game.
Update Australia squad for India match
Beth Mooney, Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Wareham, Tahlia McGrath, Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, Alana King, Grace Harris, Kim Garth, Heather Graham.
