Female Cricket had reported about the chances of injuries affecting WBBL. As the tournament starts, there are serious implications on teams as injuries and replacements have shaken their initial plans. The most interesting and much-awaited update comes from Ellyse Perry. She makes her comeback from Injury and fans can finally catch her playing cricket on the field.
Adelaide Strikers, on the other hand, have taken a big blow as their Captain won’t be available with the side. Suzie Bates had suffered an injury during the trans-Tasmanian ODI matches while playing at Brisbane earlier this month. She has not recovered fully but Strikers will also worry over the absence of their another star.
Stafanie Taylor had arrived on Australian soil on 12th October. She remains fulfilling her quarantine duties in a hotel in Sydney. Megan Schutt, however, will lead the side in the absence of Suzie Bates. Katie Perkins will also come to the Adelaide squad. The New Zealander replaced Suzie Bates in the player pool.
Luke Williams, coach of Strikers, said that “While unfortunately, Suzie is not available for this game, she continues to progress her rehabilitation and we hope that she will be available soon”.
Melbourne Stars have also made some changes from the player’s pool. They have signed New Zealand pacer Rosemary Mair. She replaces Katherine Brunt who is a big match-winner of the English side. Her availability is worked upon by England and Wales Cricket Board. Renegades are no different and they shall miss the services of Lea Tahuhu. The New Zealander had suffered a side strain. Renegades, however, have not announced any replacement for Tahuhu.
It is interesting to note that the replacement player pool consists of 16 locals and 4 New Zealanders. All of them have been kept in the WBBL village to avoid further complications following stern quarantine rules. Each player trains with a host club and can be signed by any side.
All the teams have announced their side for the tournament. While Sixers have confirmed the availability of Ellyse Perry, defending champions Brisbane Heat will go on the field with a different starting 11. Hobart Hurricanes, too, have a significant number of debutants in their camp.
The action unrolls soon and we, at Female Cricket, will provide fans with the best coverage. It’s high time that the shadows of pandemic fly past women’s game.
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