Australia’s acting captain and wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy is facing a period of rest and recovery after undergoing hand surgery following a dog attack, according to her teammate Phoebe Litchfield.
Healy was withdrawn from her Sydney Sixers team at the last minute on Sunday, resulting in their 42-run loss to Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League.
The Sixers initially reported that Healy required hand surgery after a “domestic accident at home,” but Litchfield revealed that the injury was due to a dog attack.
Litchfield told Australian broadcaster Fox, “It sounded like a pretty vicious dog attack, and I don’t know if this is public, just a lacerated finger I’m pretty sure, so hopefully she’s alright.”
Healy shared a photo of her hand wrapped in bandages on social media, expressing her gratitude for the support from fans and mentioning that she watched Sunday’s game from home.
Cricket Australia’s website noted that her participation in the remainder of the WBBL season is uncertain.
The Sixers stated that they will provide updates on Healy’s recovery timeline whenever necessary, and they have not made any changes to their team roster to replace her.
Healy, who is the niece of former Australia wicketkeeper Ian Healy and the wife of Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc, has served as the captain of the national women’s team during the extended absence of long-serving skipper Meg Lanning.
In July, Healy led Australia to victory in retaining the women’s Ashes in England.
(Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)
