Healy a major doubt for rest of Ashes series as she misses the first T20i due to injury and will be further assessed.
Healy a major doubt after developing foot soreness on the same side as the injury she sustained at last year’s T20 World Cup.
Tahlia McGrath will probably lead Australia as they try to win 8-0 and keep the Ashes in Sydney, but Grace Harris or Georgia Voll, who hasn’t played yet, could occupy the top-order spot. The wicket will be kept by Beth Mooney.
Due to Healy’s injury, Australia has also postponed naming their team for the day-night Test at the MCG, which was originally scheduled for Monday’s T20I.
“Alyssa has developed mid-foot soreness on the same side as her previous plantar fascia injury following the ODI series,” a Cricket Australia statement said. “She is currently being managed in a boot and will not be available for this evening’s game.
“Cricket Australia’s medical team is consulting with specialists to develop an appropriate management plan over the coming days. Her availability for the remainder of the series will be assessed as more information becomes available.”
Healy missed the previous home series against India due to a knee injury that ended her WBBL after she recovered from the World Cup. She was only able to participate as a batter in the ODIs against New Zealand in December.
For the three ODIs against England that are scheduled to take place in six days, she went back to keeping duties. The T20I series has a busy schedule as well, with matches in Adelaide on January 25 and Canberra on January 23.
Healy’s ability to handle the effort of a Test match, particularly as a wicketkeeper, will be seriously questioned even if she can participate in either of them.