Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Heather Graham Approved as Injury Replacement For Australia

Australia get timely reinforcements in their quest for a seventh Women's T20 World Cup title as Heather Graham has been approved by the ICC as a replacement player for injured pacer Tayla Vlaeminck.

Vlaeminck was forced off the field with a dislocated shoulder during Australia's clash against Pakistan earlier in the week when the pacer injured herself while fielding in the opening stage of the contest on Friday (October 11).

On Sunday (October 13), the Event Technical Committee of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 approved all-rounder Graham as a replacement for Vlaeminck in the Australia squad.

Graham, who has played one ODI and five T20Is, will be available for selection in the upcoming games. The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the player can be officially added to the squad.

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 consists of Wasim Khan (ICC General Manager - Cricket, Chair), Snehal Pradhan (ICC Manager - Women's Cricket), Salman Hanif (Emirates Cricket Board Tournament Director), Katey Martin (Independent Representative).

Australia still sweat on the fitness of their skipper Alyssa Healy, who also injured herself in the Pakistan match earleir in the week. The wicketkeeper-batter also missed Australia's final Group A match against India at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah.

Healy, who pulled up during Friday's fixture against Pakistan while attempting a single, hobbled off the field with an "acute injury to her right foot". The skipper arrived in crutches for the clash against India in Sharjah, as per ICC.

While Beth Mooney took on the wicketkeeping responsibilities in Healy's absence, Tahlia McGrath stepped in as captain. Cricket Australia is expected to provide a further update prior to the India match.

"Alyssa sustained an acute right foot injury while running between wickets," a release by Cricket Australia had stated after the Pakistan game as quoted by ICC.

"Once we have more information based on her assessment and scans tomorrow, her availability for the remainder of the tournament will be clearer," the statement further added.