WBBL 2021: Sydney Thunder Captain Rachael Haynes To Miss Entire Season Because Of Border Restrictions In Australia

Published - 13 Oct 2021, 02:39 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:58 AM

Rachael Haynes
Rachael Haynes. Credits: Twitter

Sydney Thunder women’s team skipper Rachael Haynes is likely to miss the entire season of the Women’s Big Bash League 2021 owing to travel restrictions in Australia.

Haynes, who suffered a hamstring injury during the third ODI against India, was ruled out of the only Test match followed by the T20I series against the Women in Blues.

Rachael Haynes
Rachael Haynes. Credits: Getty

I will be back if there are changes to the current border restrictions: Rachael Haynes

The entire WBBL season will be played in Tasmania, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. Haynes, who is currently in New South Wales, said she might have to pull out of the tournament because of border restrictions and will only join the team later if the restrictions are lifted up.

“I understand the schedule needed to be rejigged due to the ongoing border closures. However, the fact it means Sydney Thunder will be on the road for the entire duration of the WBBL – along with the mandatory 14 days in quarantine – left me with no alternative but to make myself unavailable,” ,” Haynes said, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

“However, as I told the squad, I will be back if there are changes to the current border restrictions of the tournament structure,” she added.

Leaving my family for a longer period wouldn’t be fair: Rachael Haynes

Haynes is with her partner Leah Poulton as the latter gave birth to their first child Hugo Poulton-Haynes on October 1. Haynes said it will be difficult for her to leave her family for a long period and has informed about her decision to the players and team management at Sydney Thunder.

“As much as I want to be with the team, leaving Leah and Hugo at this stage for such a long period wouldn’t be fair on us as a family. I’ve spoken to all the players and staff, and they’ve been extremely supportive of my decision,” Haynes said.

Rachael Haynes
Rachael Haynes. Credits: Cricket Australia

“It just shows that in matters of the heart, the heart wins. However, I am doing my hamstring rehabilitation with the intention that I can put myself forward to play, but it would be much later in the season and contingent on state borders opening up,” she added.

WBBL 2021 will commence on October 14 with Sydney Sixers take on Melbourne Stars at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart.

Also Read: Australia Women vs India Women Pink-Ball Test: Rachael Haynes Ruled Out Due To Hamstring Injury

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