Table of Contents
Melbourne Stars have suffered a massive setback as Australian star all-rounder Annabel Sutherland has been ruled out of the remaining four matches of the ongoing Women's Big Bash League 2026 (WBBL 2026) due to a hamstring injury on Sunday (November 15).
The Australian star has been one of the team's biggest performers this season, and her absence could make their fight for a place in the Women's Big Bash League 2026 playoffs even tougher.
Read Also: “The truth”: Usman Khawaja responds to Pat Cummins' 'complete and utter nonsense' remarks.
Annabel Sutherland ruled out of Women's Big Bash League 2026
Australia's physiotherapist Kate Moore confirmed that Annabel Sutherland has suffered an injury to her right hamstring tendon and that it has forced her to miss Melbourne Stars’ remaining four matches of the ongoing Women's Big Bash League 2026 (WBBL 2026).
Moore explained that the all-rounder needs a break from the game because the injury will not heal if she continues playing matches, so she now needs a "period of offload." The physiotherapist stated, "Her availability for Australia’s tour to Sri Lanka in December is to be confirmed.”
Sutherland's Australia tour of Sri Lanka in doubt
The injury has also raised concerns about Sutherland's availability for Australia's upcoming tour of Sri Lanka in December. The Australian women’s national cricket team is expected to play three ODIs in Sri Lanka, but her participation will depend on how well she recovers.
Australia will be keen to have Sutherland fit for the upcoming assignments, which include the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 in February, home ODIs against New Zealand in March, and a multi-format tour of South Africa ending in April.
The Ashes later in the year is another important assignment. She could also feature in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 in January.
Read Also: WPL 2027: ICC forces BCCI to shift matches from Brabourne to Wankhede Stadium.
Annabel Sutherland's injury makes Melbourne Stars' WBBL 2026 Playoff hopes even tougher
Annabel Sutherland's absence is a huge blow for the Melbourne Stars, who have failed to win any of their last five matches in the ongoing WBBL 2027. Their chances of reaching the playoffs are already hanging by a thread, and they will now have to finish the tournament without their leading player.
The all-rounder has taken seven wickets at an average of 26 and an economy rate of 8.36 and has also impressed with her batting, scoring 124 runs in six matches for the Melbourne Stars in the ongoing Women's Premier League 2026.
Sutherland's strike rate of 146 is the second-best in the team, behind only Georgia Prestwidge's 171. The Melbourne Stars, led by the former Australian captain Meg Lanning, are now aiming to reach the WBBL 2026 playoffs for only the second time in the last six seasons.
Zoe Samuel replaces Annabel Sutherland
The Melbourne Stars have included 19-year-old all-rounder Zoe Samuel in their squad as Sutherland's replacement. Samuel is yet to make her WBBL debut and could get an opportunity in the upcoming match against Sydney Thunder at Drummoyne Oval on November 16.
Melbourne Stars general manager James Rosengarten admitted that losing a quality player like Sutherland is disappointing. However, he also believes that this situation gives other players in the squad a chance to step up and prove their ability.
Rosengarten stated, "It's always disappointing to lose a high-quality player, and we’ll miss Annabel’s contributions. But as always, change presents opportunities for other members of the team, and we have a lot of confidence in our full playing squad.”
