Women's T20 World Cup 2020: Australia's Tayla Vlaeminck ruled out of the tournament

The defending champions Australia were dealt a sickening blow to their team’s strategy as pace spearhead Tayla Vlaeminck has been officially ruled out of the Women’s T20 World Cup tournament with a foot injury on Wednesday. Cricket Australia has been forced to make a replacement on the eve of the opening fixture of the showpiece event as Molly Strano earned a last-minute call-up.

Tayla’s absence is a big blow to the team’s bowling department as she has been in scintillating form of late while also making a real case for herself as one of the premier fast bowlers in the international arena. Vlaeminck was a probable starter for Friday’s Group A fixture against India at the Sydney Showgrounds until she failed to resist the stress injury in her right foot.

“Tayla Vlaeminck is one of the premier fast bowlers in international cricket”

Cricket Australia confirmed in an official statement that Tayla would be replaced in the squad by off-spinner Molly Strano. Meanwhile, Coach Matthew Mott spoke highly of Tayla who has been the ultimate weapon for Australia. The coach believes that Tayla would bounce back from this situation and play an integral role for the team.

“Tayla has been in brilliant form of late and established herself as one of the premier fast bowlers in international cricket. No one ever wants to see a player miss a major tournament in these kinds of circumstances, but I have no doubt she will bounce back from this setback and play a leading role in Australian squads for many years to come,” coach Matthew Mott added in a statement.

Molly Strano is a handy option for the team. She will be looking forward to weaving the magic in the showpiece event that starts tomorrow. The opening fixture between Australia Women and India Women is scheduled to be played at Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney on February 21 (Friday).

The 27-year-old Molly Strano has taken as many as seven wickets in five international T20s. She had a fine season in the Women’s Big Bash League where she was the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 24 wickets to her name at a healthy average of 16.91.