Darcie Brown is set to miss the start of Adelaide Strikers’ Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) campaign after a back injury could keep the fast bowler out for up to 10 weeks. The 23-year-old was diagnosed with a disc injury after returning from Australia A’s tour of India, where she played two T20s and a one-dayer. The setback also ended her hopes of an ODI recall against Bangladesh next month. Brown must now focus on recovery before rebuilding her bowling and running loads.
Australia national selector Shawn Flegler said Brown’s injury had not improved as quickly as expected. “She’s had a bit of a disc issue with her back that she’s been trying to get on top of, and again, unfortunately, just it hasn’t progressed as quickly as we would have liked,” Flegler told reporters on Wednesday. Brown was scanned and clinically assessed after returning to Australia. She will spend several weeks away from bowling and running.
Flegler explained that Brown will need a period of rest before rebuilding her workload. “We’re going to have to shut her down for a few weeks initially, just offload her from bowling and running in particular, and then it’ll be a reload period after that.” He added, “So worst case scenario, it’s actually 10 weeks. But we’re hopeful that it improves quicker than that.” Brown could miss a significant part of WBBL 12, although Australia hopes she can return.
Brown had travelled to India hoping to win back her national place after she was dropped for the T20 World Cup earlier this year. She played two T20 matches in New Chandigarh, taking 1-31 and 0-27, before taking 3-39 from eight overs in the second one-dayer in Mohali. Her absence is also a blow to the Strikers’ pace stocks as they look to return to the WBBL finals. Young quicks including Eleanor Larosa may need to step up alongside Megan Schutt and Tahlia McGrath.
The Strikers have confirmed 11 of their 15 players for WBBL 12, with their full quota of three internationals. Sophie Ecclestone is returning, while Maia Bouchier has joined South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt, who was already on a multi-year deal. The local core includes McGrath, Schutt, Bridget Patterson, Maddie Penna, Amanda-Jade Wellington and Ellie Johnston. Jemma Barsby, Anesu Mushangwe, Tabatha Saville and Ella Wilson remain off contract, while Maggie Clark and Emmerson Filsell were local replacements in WBBL 11.
Brown’s priority is recovery from the disc injury before rebuilding her loads. Adelaide will hope she can return during WBBL 12, depending on her recovery fully. Australia will continue to monitor her recovery, with the Champions Trophy in the new year still a possible target. All women’s international matches will be shown live on Seven, 7Plus, Kayo Sports and Foxtel.
(Inputs sourced from cricket.com.au)
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