Big blow for Australia! Captain in serious doubt for Ashes

Australia women's cricket captain Alyssa Healy has been ruled out of the first T20I against England women due to foot soreness. Alyssa Healy is suffering from soreness on the same side as the injury she sustained during last year's T20 World Cup and is in doubt for the remainder of the Ashes series.

Australia is expected to be led by Tahlia McGrath as they look to extend their Ashes lead to 7-0 in Sydney. The vacancy in the top order is likely to be filled by either Grace Harris or the uncapped Georgia Voll. Australia has postponed the announcement of their squad for the day-night Test at the MCG.

Alyssa Healy Ruled Out of First T20I Against England Women

Cricket Australia revealed that Alyssa Healy has developed midfoot soreness on the same side as her previous plantar fascia injury. The statement stated that the medical team is consulting specialists, and Healy's availability for the rest of the series will be assessed as more information becomes available.

"Alyssa has developed mid-foot soreness on the same side as her previous plantar fascia injury following the ODI series," a Cricket Australia statement said. "She is currently being managed in a boot and will not be available for this evening's game.

"Cricket Australia's medical team is consulting with specialists to develop an appropriate management plan over the coming days. Her availability for the remainder of the series will be assessed as more information becomes available."

Healy Not the Only Key Player Missing from Australia's Training Session

Georgia Voll filled in for her during the ODI series against India and scored a century in her second match, and Grace Harris opened during the World Cup. The second T20I is on Thursday in Canberra, and the third is in Adelaide on Saturday, before the day-night Test at the MCG begins on January 30.

Healy wasn't the only key player missing from Australia's training session at the SCG on Sunday. Ashleigh Gardner, who had been warming up with the squad, missed the fielding, running drills, and net session. Gardner's fitness is crucial, especially after her match-winning performance in Friday’s third ODI.

Alyssa Healy Faces Tough Period with Injuries

Alyssa Healy has faced a tough period with injuries. After returning from a World Cup injury, her WBBL season was cut short due to a knee issue. She played only as a batter in the ODIs against New Zealand in December, missing the earlier series against India due to the same knee problem.

Healy resumed wicketkeeping for the ODIs against England, which were played in a six-day window. The upcoming T20I series in January is also packed, with matches in Canberra and Adelaide. There are concerns about her ability to manage the physical demands of a Test match, especially as a wicketkeeper.

Also read: Watch: Liam Dawson's exceptional catch leaves Quinton de Kock astonished in SA20 2025 match