While the global pandemic did not go down well with the majority of the mortals, there was one person for whom it turned to be a blessing. The person in question is Tayla Vlaeminck, an Australian cricketer.
Tayla, who is convalescing after a stress fracture in her right foot, missed out on the 2020 ICC Twenty20 World Cup due to the same. When the International Cricket Council (ICC) declared the postponement of the 2021 ODI Women’s World Cup by 12 months, while the entire cricketing world was gutted, Tayla had a reason to be happy about the postponement as it gave her more time to recover from her injury.
At the launch of the documentary ‘The Record’, Tayla spoke to cricket.com.au, “Selfishly I was pretty pumped. Hopefully, touch wood I can be fit for that World Cup and just be a normal athlete and not have restrictions, and not be constantly thinking about my foot and just focus on my cricket.”
Australia’s fastest bowler Tayla, who had last played an international game in the tri-series finals against India on 12th February 2020, made a much-awaited return to cricket when she opened the bowling for Victoria.
Thrilled at her successful comeback, Tayla told cricket.com.au, “I can’t put it into words, to be honest. I had the biggest smile on my face all day. I was extremely nervous taking the ball at the start, it was a weird feeling, but it was an unbelievable day. It’s hard trying to stick to the plan but hopefully, in the next couple of months I can get back to being free to play, however.”
Australia coach Matthew Mott likened her to men’s counterpart Pat Cummins and tipped her to be a long-term player at the top level. “It means a lot to me that people like Motty have faith in me and believe I can be a long-term player.”
“But living in it and being patient is quite challenging, especially when you’re around the other girls all the time and you can see everyone getting better and better, and you’re just sitting there watching. But that conversation with Motty and the faith they have in me definitely helped,” says a humble Tayla.
With Australia slated to travel to New Zealand for a limited-overs series in the coming month, Tayla may probably make a comeback to the international level but it entirely depends on how she performs for Victoria in the Women’s National Cricket League.
Source – cricket.com.au
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