Australian captain Alyssa Healy has been ruled out of the ongoing Women's Big Bash League 2024 with an injury on Saturday. The star wicketkeeper batter suffered a left leg injury, Sydney Sixers confirmed, and is likely to be unavailable for the upcoming home ODI series against India women.
"Alyssa Healy has sustained a left knee injury which will rule her out for the remainder of WBBL," the Sixers' statement read. "She will continue with her rehabilitation over the coming fortnight under the care of CNSW and CA medical staff."
Australia host the Indian women's cricket team in the three-match ODI series starting on December 5 and then are scheduled to travel to New Zealand for three ODIs starting on December 19.
There is no official update from Cricket Australia over Healy's injury but her omission from the remainder of the WBBL hints at a lengthy layoff for the star player. Healy struggled with a leg injury throughout the recent T20 World Cup in the UAE and also missed the initial stages of the WBBL 2024.
Meanwhile, the young Frankie Nicklin has been named Alyssa Healy's replacement in the Sydney Sixers squad. The 19-year-old spin all-rounder's inclusion was imminent as the Sixers entered the business end of the tournament without Sophie Ecclestone, who will be part of England's squad for the upcoming multi-format tour to South Africa.
The Sixers find themselves in the sixth position in the points table with three wins in their first seven games and are set to face tough fixtures against Thunder, Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat. Healy has been struggling for runs throughout the tournament with the highest score of 11 in four innings.
Ellyse Perry-led Sydney Sixers next face their city rivals Thunder on Sunday. Kate Pelle and Sarah Bryce offer wicketkeeping options for the Sixers while Frankie Nicklin is expected to come in for Sophie Ecclestone.
