Not good news coming in from the Australian camp as their vice-captain Rachel Haynes will no longer be able to continue the series against India.
Earlier on the eve of the 2nd ODI, Haynes injured her elbow during the net sessions after which she had to sit out the 2nd ODI. Haynes came back in for the third ODI but, while fielding a ball, she injured her right hamstring.
With two injuries within a span of four days, she was deemed unfit to continue the series and was ruled out of the upcoming Test match and T20I series at Gold Coast.
Australia’s coach Matthew Mott stated, “Unfortunately her (Haynes) hamstring is no good. She’s devastated – obviously, Test matches don’t come around too often, she’s a key member of our squad so our thoughts are with her at the moment.”
In her absence, Beth Mooney is the probable candidate to replace her at the opening spot alongside Alyssa Healy. Mooney also played the second ODI in her place.
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Rachael Haynes out of the series, won’t play any of the remaining matches. 😮#AUSvIND
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) September 28, 2021
With Haynes out of the series, there are two probable ways for the Australians to once again establish a good balance. Georgia Redmayne who has been in the limelight recently is most likely to get a spot in the team or it could be another all-rounder.
Coach Mott hopes for Georgia Wareham to be declared fit for the Test, “Georgia’s ticking all the boxes for her return to play. Personally, I really hope she gets through it after missing out on the last Test we played. She’s a key member; no matter what the wicket serves up, she’s a wicket-taker and she’s an incredibly good thing for this team – she leads the way in the field and her batting is evolving all the time. So hopefully she gets the opportunity – she’s done everything in her powers to be ready.”
Haynes will stay with the squad until the first day of the Test after which she will return to Sydney to look after her partner Leah Poulton with whom she is expecting her first child next month. Alyssa Healy has been chosen as the new vice-captain for the remainder of the series.
Source: cricket.com.au
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