Women’s T20 World Cup – Australia bring in Heather Graham in place of the injured Tayla Vlaeminck
She had come into the side for the big-hitting Grace Harris, adding pace in what Healy described as an “impact for impact” swap in Australia’s first match of the tournament at the ground, having opened their campaign with wins against Sri Lanka and New Zealand on a slower pitch in Sharjah.
It was Vlaeminck’s first World Cup match since 2018 and the second in a career punctuated by serious injuries – including two ACL injuries, a twice-dislocated left shoulder, and stress fractures to her foot.
Healy and Vlaeminck both underwent scans on their respective injuries on Saturday.
Graham, a right-arm seam bowler, has played five T20Is and one ODI with career-best figures of 4 for 8 in the shortest format during Australia’s tour of India in 2022. She will be available for selection in Australia’s final group game against India on Sunday evening.
Valkerie Baynes is a general editor, women’s cricket, at ESPNcricinfo