Healy Reflects on Foot Injury and Australia's T20 World Cup Exit

Australia's captain, Alyssa Healy, has revealed that a severe foot injury affected her participation in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. Despite managing the injury throughout the tournament, the 34-year-old cricketer admitted that her decision to sit out of the semifinal against South Africa may have been the wrong choice. Australia's reign as T20 champions, which began with their 2018 title in the Caribbean, ended abruptly as they were defeated by South Africa in an 8-wicket loss in Dubai on October 17.

Healy disclosed that she ruptured her plantar fascia in both feet mid-tournament. "I ruptured my plantar fascia—completely ruptured one and partially ruptured the other," Healy explained. "It was just a matter of function, pain, and what I could handle. Ultimately, I probably only had one game in me and probably took the wrong risk at the end of the day," she said, reflecting on Australia’s semifinal defeat that enabled South Africa to reach their second consecutive World Cup final.

The semifinal was a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final between the two teams. As Healy walked out of the Australian dressing room for a pitch inspection, fully dressed in playing kit and spikes, it appeared she was ready to take the field. However, as more of her teammates emerged from the dugout, it became clear that Healy had only suited up for the team photo and would not be playing. This decision followed her struggle with injury during the group stages, where she had been seen hobbling off the field in pain during a match against Pakistan. After being carried off the field, she was walking on crutches and wore a moon boot for precautionary reasons.

Healy’s injury left Australia without their captain at a crucial stage of the tournament. Fast bowler Tayla Vlamenick, who dislocated her shoulder in the same game against Pakistan, had already been replaced by Heather Graham in the squad. However, Australia did not replace Healy, which indicated the team management remained optimistic that she could recover in time for the knockout stages. Healy did not participate in training ahead of the semifinal, leaving stand-in vice-captain Ellyse Perry and the team to make a late decision on her availability.

Speaking about her injury, Healy said, "I don't really know how close I was to being match-ready, but hopefully I don't regret giving it a crack. You never know what might have unfolded out there." With Healy sidelined, Tahlia McGrath took charge of the team for the semifinal, fielding an unchanged lineup from their previous match in Sharjah. Had they won, it would have been Australia's eighth consecutive T20 World Cup final appearance in nine editions.

"It was a really hard decision to make last night, whether to give it a shot or not," Healy said. "I tried to make the team decision and sat myself down instead of taking the risk. It was hard to watch, knowing I couldn’t go out there and help, but we’ve had some positives throughout the tournament. It hasn’t ended the way we wanted, but we’ve played some amazing cricket."

Australia’s campaign came to a premature end with their defeat to South Africa. After dominating the women’s T20 landscape for several years, Healy acknowledged that South Africa’s intent, especially during their chase, was the difference-maker. "South Africa out-intended us," Healy said, admitting their opponents’ determination was evident. "If you don’t quite turn up on the night and it doesn’t go your way, then you’re out. It’s pretty cutthroat. We’ve been in similar positions before and got ourselves over the line, but it wasn’t to be tonight."

Reflecting on South Africa’s performance, Healy acknowledged their opponents’ confidence and execution. "They’re a team full of confidence, and they played with that tonight," she said. "They came out ready to go and ready to fire, particularly with the bat. They made it look like a completely different wicket." Healy also praised South Africa for their collective improvement, noting, "They’ve improved a lot and have a lot of different contributors for the first time in a while. It’s been pleasing to see, and I wish them all the luck in the final."

Australia’s defeat marked the end of their attempt to secure a fourth consecutive T20 World Cup title. Since the inaugural edition in 2009, Australia has won six T20 World Cup titles, including two separate three-peat runs. Their streak was interrupted only once, in 2016, by a spirited West Indies team. With the Caribbean side set to face New Zealand in the second semifinal, the prospect of a new T20 champion looms.

Healy expressed excitement about the possibility of seeing a fresh winner in the tournament. "I think the prospect of a new winner is hugely exciting for the world game," she said. "The investment and opportunities to play cricket around the world in different conditions and all times of the year have done great things for the women’s game. We’re seeing teams really benefit from that, which is awesome."

As Healy and her Australian teammates prepare to return home, she looks ahead to the rehabilitation process. A full assessment of her injury and the required recovery plan will take place once the team is back in Australia. The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) is scheduled to kick off on October 27, and Healy will be aiming to recover in time for the tournament. "We’ll see what happens with the injury once we get back, but hopefully it won’t keep me out for too long," Healy said.

Though Australia’s campaign ended earlier than expected, Healy remained optimistic about the future of women’s cricket and Australia’s ability to bounce back. "We’ll learn from this and get better," she concluded, signaling her confidence in the team’s resilience and future success.

For now, the spotlight will be on South Africa as they aim to claim their first-ever T20 World Cup title. Should New Zealand overcome West Indies in the other semifinal, it would set up an exciting final between two teams hungry for their maiden championship. Regardless of the outcome, the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup has showcased the growing depth and competitiveness of international women’s cricket.