Australian pacer Tayla Vlaeminck ruled out of ICC Women’s World Cup due to stress fracture

Ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022, Australia have suffered a big blow as fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck has been ruled out of the global showpiece event due to a stress fracture of the navicular in her right foot.

Vlaeminck got injured after Australia’s victory in the first T20I against England in the ongoing Women’s Ashes 2022. She is also ruled out of the further games against the English side. The Victorian bowled four overs in the series opener but couldn’t get any wicket.

“Tayla has sustained an acute navicular stress fracture. She had a similar injury in early 2020; this fracture completely healed and Tayla made a successful return to play to international cricket in March 2021,” said Australian team doctor Phillipa Inge in a statement.

“Tayla reported a return in mid-foot pain and subsequent images have confirmed a recurrent stress fracture of the navicular. The Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria medical teams will work collaboratively on the immediate management over the coming days and a subsequent return to play plan. She will be unavailable for the Ashes Series and ODI World Cup,” added Inge.

However, the selectors are yet to make a decision concerning Vlaeminck’s  replacement in the Australian squad for upcoming World Cup.

Revised Australia squad:

Meg Lanning (c), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Hannah Darlington, Ashleigh Gardner, Rachael Haynes (vc), Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland.