Alyssa Healy’s absence from Australia’s T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa was a major blow to the team’s hopes of retaining their title. The captain revealed that she had suffered a ruptured plantar fascia in her foot, an injury that prevented her from taking the field.
Healy sustained the injury while running between the wickets during Australia’s penultimate group-stage game against Pakistan. Despite the pain, she attempted to play through the discomfort, but the decision was ultimately made to rest her for the semi-final.
“It’s a bit sore,” Healy said after the match. “I ruptured my plantar fascia. I completely ruptured one and partially ruptured the other.”
The injury is a significant setback for Healy, who is one of Australia’s most experienced and successful players. Her absence was keenly felt in the semi-final, as South Africa cruised to an eight-wicket victory.
Healy’s availability for the upcoming WBBL season and India’s tour of Australia remains uncertain. She admitted that she is unsure how long she will be sidelined.
“I don’t know yet,” she said. “We’ll assess that when we get back. WBBL starts next Sunday so we’ll reassess that as we go.”
Despite the disappointment of missing the semi-final, Healy praised her teammates for their efforts throughout the tournament.
“It was hard to watch, knowing that you can’t really go out there and help,” she said. “But it was good to see so many positives throughout the tournament. It hasn’t ended the way we wanted, but I think we’ve played some amazing cricket.”
Healy also expressed her confidence in stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath, who led Australia to victory in their final group game against India.
“T-Mac’s had the opportunity to captain in my absence before and done it outstandingly well,” she said. “I can’t fault the side at all in their optimism in taking on the challenge.”
