Australia and Adelaide Strikers fast bowler Darcie Brown will miss the entire WBBL|12 season after failing to recover from a persistent back injury. The 23-year-old returned from the Australia A tour of India with a disc problem that has prevented her from resuming training.
Darcie Brown had initially been considered a possible returnee for the second half of the tournament after a period of rest. However, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed on Monday that the fast bowler would not regain full fitness before the competition ends on December 5.
Cricket Australia Confirms Darcie Brown’s WBBL Absence
Darcie Brown played two T20 matches and one one-day game during Australia A’s recent tour of India. She took 1/31 and 0/27 in the T20 matches in New Chandigarh before producing an impressive performance in the second unofficial ODI in Mohali, claiming 3/39 from eight overs.
The disc injury emerged after her return to Australia and ruled her out of the ODI series against Bangladesh and the T20I series against New Zealand. National selector Shawn Flegler had hoped she could return for the latter half of the WBBL after three weeks of rest and a gradual reduction in her workload.
However, a further assessment showed that Darcie Brown had not recovered enough to resume training. Cricket Australia confirmed her absence in a statement on Monday.
"Brown was assessed following her return home from India last month, and following a period of de-loading, her injury has not yet recovered to a point where she is ready to resume training," the statement read.
"As a result, and she will be unable to return to full fitness in time for the upcoming WBBL season."
Adelaide Strikers Rely on Megan Schutt and Tahlia McGrath in Darcie Brown’s Absence
Darcie Brown’s absence leaves Adelaide Strikers without one of its leading fast bowlers. The Strikers will need young quick Eleanor Larosa to step up alongside experienced international bowlers Megan Schutt and Tahlia McGrath.
Schutt claimed 10 wickets at an average of seven across three ODIs against Bangladesh. Her form also marks a positive change after an injury-hit WBBL campaign last season, when she took just one wicket in five appearances.
The Strikers have confirmed 13 of their 15 squad positions for WBBL|12, including all three overseas international signings. Despite the setback, national selector Shawn Flegler has indicated that Darcie Brown could remain in contention for the T20 Champions Trophy in India in the new year.
Anesu Mushangwe Returns for Fourth Season With Adelaide
Adelaide also confirmed the re-signing of leg-spinner Anesu Mushangwe for a fourth consecutive season. Her return strengthens the team’s spin options following Jemma Barsby’s departure to the Sydney Thunder.
Mushangwe made history in 2022 by becoming the first Zimbabwean-born player to feature in the WBBL. She played an important role in Adelaide’s second consecutive championship-winning campaign, taking 16 wickets during that season.
The 30-year-old has continued to impress for the ACT Meteors in the T20 Spring Challenge, taking six wickets in four matches. Her performances included figures of 3/16 against the Hobart Hurricanes.
"I'm really excited to be back with the Strikers for another season," Mushangwe said.
"Adelaide has become a special place for me over the last few years and is still home for me, and I've made some incredible memories with this group, including being part of a championship-winning team."
